Maharashtra's political circles are abuzz with controversy as Minister for Social Justice and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) leader Sanjay Shirsat finds himself under scrutiny following an Income Tax Department notice and the emergence of a controversial video online.
The Income Tax Department has reportedly flagged a disproportionate rise in Shirsat’s assets between 2019 and 2024. This financial probe comes at a time when several leaders aligned with the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena have been facing questions regarding their wealth and financial disclosures since switching allegiances post the 2022 political crisis.
However, what has added a sensational twist to the situation is a viral video that surfaced just a day after the notice. The video, widely circulated across social media platforms, allegedly shows Sanjay Shirsat in a private setting — seated on a bed in casual clothes, smoking a cigarette, with a bundle of currency notes visible in a bag nearby. A pet dog is also seen in the room, adding to the personal nature of the footage.
The video’s authenticity has not been independently verified, but its timing has amplified political tension. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut quickly seized the opportunity, sharing the clip on X (formerly Twitter) and launching a scathing attack on Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. In his post, Raut questioned the BJP leadership's silence and sarcastically described Fadnavis as "helpless," suggesting repeated embarrassments for the ruling coalition.
