By: Express News ServiceDecember 9, 2025 07:24 PM IST 3 min readA series of viral clips allegedly showing Shiv Sena MLA Mahendra Dalvi linked to bundles of cash triggered a heated political debate in Maharashtra.A political row erupted on Tuesday after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve posted a series of short videos on social media, claiming they showed a man who is purported to be a ruling party MLA on a video call with a person seated beside bundles of cash.The clips surfaced during the Maharashtra Legislature’s winter session, days after the first phase of local body elections concluded.The opposition, including Danve, hinted the man in the video was Shinde Sena MLA Mahendra Dalvi.The first video, lasting four seconds and without audio, purportedly shows Shiv Sena MLA Mahendra Dalvi on a video call. Two other clips of nine and 13 seconds show stacks of currency notes next to a man in a red T-shirt, though his face is not visible.Dalvi however denied any involvement, saying he was in Nagpur and had no information on where or by whom the videos were made. “If anyone brings proof, I will resign from my post. The video seems AI generated,” he said.Showing support for Dalvi, minister Sanjay Shirsat said the clips were AI-generated and morphed and defended Dalvi’s public stand.“I have seen the alleged video. It is an AI-assisted morphed clip. Dalvi has already clarified he is in Nagpur. Only someone fully confident of their innocence can make such a strong statement. The Opposition can create an AI video of any MLA,” Shirsat said.Responding to the claims, Danve said, “If it’s morphed, Dalvi should file a police complaint. If police come to me, I will share everything. Let there be a probe.”He also distanced himself from Dalvi’s offer to resign if proven guilty, “I have not asked anyone to resign. I have not made personal accusations. I merely presented what came to me.”Story continues below this adEarlier, Danve, a former Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, claimed the videos exposed MLAs of the ruling parties.“This government does not have money to waive farmers’ loans. The Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister must tell people who this MLA is and why bundles of notes are seen,” he posted on X.NCP (SP) legislator Shashikant Shinde raised the issue in the Council and sought a probe.Ruling Sena MLA Mahendra Thorve defended Dalvi and accused Danve of attempting to sensationalise the matter during the session. Thorve also hinted at internal strains within the Mahayuti, indirectly linking the row to NCP state president Sunil Tatkare, a known rival of Sena leaders Dalvi, Thorve and minister Bharat Gogawale in Raigad district.Story continues below this adIn July, a similar purported clip of Shirsat himself had gone viral, a charge he had dismissed then as well.Reacting to the latest row, Congress state president Nana Patole alleged that the Mahayuti government wanted power “only to loot the state”.Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:Maharashtra