Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Parinay Fuke has levelled serious allegations against certain Opposition members in Maharashtra, accusing them of blackmailing rice mill owners. He claimed that these members are threatening to raise questions in the State Assembly and demanding money through their “agents.”

The issue came to light after Mr. Fuke submitted video and audio clips to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The allegations were first raised in the State Council on Wednesday (March 12, 2025), following a calling attention notice on rice mills discussed in the Assembly a day earlier. A calling attention notice is a parliamentary tool used to highlight urgent public issues and seek a response from the concerned Minister.

Mr. Fuke alleged, “Some Opposition leaders have been extorting money from rice mill owners by threatening to raise questions or file calling attention notices in the Assembly, which could cause them losses worth crores.” He further claimed that the submitted audio clips contain conversations where money was explicitly demanded.  

When pressed to name the Opposition leaders involved, he declined to comment, stating that Chief Minister Fadnavis had advised him to wait until the facts and forensic reports were verified. He revealed that apart from an MLA, 8-10 individuals, including those close to the lawmaker, are allegedly involved in the extortion racket.

The BJP leader stressed that he raised the issue in the Council only after senior Congress leader Nana Patole brought up a calling attention motion in the Assembly on Tuesday. Mr. Patole, however, declined to comment when approached for his response.

The allegations have sparked political controversy, with calls for a thorough probe into the matter. The BJP MLC’s claims have put the spotlight on the conduct of Opposition members and raised questions about the misuse of parliamentary procedures for personal gain. 

As the investigation unfolds, the rice mill owners and the public await clarity on the allegations, which could have significant implications for Maharashtra’s political landscape.