<h1>Ruling party accuses new party founder of raising hundreds of crores via shell companies; founder challenges deputy CM's qualifications</h1> A state's ruling party unit has accused the founder of a recently formed political party of raising 'hundreds of crores' through shell companies and channeling funds from multiple states where he previously provided election services, alleging transfers exceeding Rs 370 crore from one state and over Rs 50 crore collected from prospective candidates; the ruling unit framed the claims as possible money-laundering/black-money activity. The accused party's leader retorted by publicly challenging the deputy chief minister's educational credentials and past criminal allegation, questioning how a doctoral claim was possible without a class 10 qualification. Both sides have made public allegations ahead of upcoming assembly polls.