Mumbai, (The Hindu): The run-up to the Palghar Lok Sabha bypoll is turning into a bitterly-fought contest, with the Shiv Sena releasing an audio clip in which Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is allegedly heard asking his party men to attack the Sena such that it will be remembered for a long time.

“How should we react at a time when the party, while calling us an ally, is backstabbing us? Those who have BJP in their blood cannot remain quiet. We should launch such an attack which will make them realise the power of BJP,” Mr. Fadnavis is alleged to have said in the audio clip, which was released by Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray at a rally late on Friday. The audio clip is unverified.

In the clip, Mr. Fadnavis allegedly asks BJP activists to use all means (sam, dam, dand, bhed) and to keep in mind that theirs is the ruling party. “We all should keep one thing in mind: if someone tries to bully us, then we can be the greater bully. I stand with you firmly and with all support,” he is alleged to have said.

Reacting sharply to the clip, the BJP said Sena, in its frustration, has released an edited clip. “This is misuse of technology, and the BJP will be filing a complaint with the Election Commission on Saturday. We will also be releasing the original audio clip,” BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said.