Maharashtra Minister Breaks Silence on Controversial Smoking Video

Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat has spoken out regarding a controversial video that allegedly shows him smoking in a hotel room. He claims the incident is part of a calculated effort to damage his reputation. Shirsat expressed concerns about surveillance and the possibility of an agent among his staff. The video emerged shortly after he received an income tax notice related to his rapid financial growth. Political reactions have followed, particularly from Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, who criticized Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The situation continues to unfold as Shirsat prepares to address the allegations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 11, 2025, 18:13 IST

Minister's Response to Viral Video

Sanjay Shirsat, a minister from Maharashtra, has addressed the controversy surrounding a video that allegedly shows him smoking in a hotel room. He claims that this incident is part of a deliberate plot to tarnish his reputation. In an interview, Shirsat stated, "This is a calculated conspiracy. I was comfortably at home with my dog when someone recorded this video, indicating that they were spying on us. We are the kind of people who welcome guests into our home for meals and tea."

Concerns Over Surveillance

Shirsat further elaborated that monitoring staff is part of their responsibility. He suggested that there might be an agent among them, but expressed that they are not concerned and have not noticed anything suspicious. He questioned, "Have you ever seen someone sitting openly next to money in your home? That’s unusual. However, we will respond to this conspiracy." This video surfaced just a day after the Shiv Sena leader received an income tax notice regarding his rapid financial growth.

Political Reactions

Sanjay Raut, a member of the Shiv Sena (UBT), was the first to share the video on social media, launching a sharp critique against Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Raut captioned the video, expressing sympathy for Fadnavis, questioning how many times he would allow his reputation to be damaged while sitting idly. Shirsat, a prominent figure in the faction led by Eknath Shinde, has yet to publicly respond to the allegations. The income tax notice reportedly seeks clarification regarding the dramatic increase in his assets over a short period.