Cash clip sets off war of words in Maharashtra's ruling alliance

Mumbai: Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve on Tuesday triggered a political stir by posting three videos on social media that purportedly show bundles of cash being counted, claiming that an MLA from the ruling Shiv Sena was seen in the footage.

Danve, who shared the clips on X, did not name the legislator, though one of the videos allegedly features Raigad MLA Mahendra Dalvi. Dalvi has denied any involvement, even as the controversy has stoked tensions within the Mahayuti alliance, with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena accusing its ally, the Ajit Pawar-led NCP, of leaking the videos.

"Bundles of cash are flowing like water in a stream. If a common man deposits ₹50,000, the Income Tax Department questions them, but here MLAs have so much cash-this must be investigated," Danve said at a press conference.


He alleged the money "was looted from the public," claiming it stemmed not from "legitimate business or farming" but from tenders, official transfers and commissions in projects.

Dalvi dismissed the allegation, saying the images were "cut and pasted," and challenged Danve to a public debate. "If it is proved that I was involved, I will resign as MLA. If he cannot prove it, Danve should quit politics and disclose on whose behalf he is doing this," he said.

Targeting the NCP, another Shiv Sena MLA from Raigad, Mahendra Thorve, alleged that the video was leaked by the party and accused state NCP president Sunil Tatkare of orchestrating it.

Tatkare, meanwhile, has denied Thorve's allegations.