Amid rising tension in Maharashtra’s ruling Mahayuti alliance over an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Friday ordered a forensic probe, even as a leader of ally Shiv Sena accused some BJP leaders of conspiring to undermine Deputy CM Eknath Shinde and politically “finish him”. In response, the BJP said it would not tolerate such attacks from members of its ally.

On Thursday, Jarange-Patil played an audio clip of an alleged conversation between BJP functionaries about efforts to counter his influence before the 2024 Assembly elections, including references to Rs 500 crore allegedly meant for him. The Sena has denied the accusations, while the BJP has cast doubts about the clip’s authenticity. Jarange-Patil, meanwhile, has emphasised that he did not accept any money.

“I have ordered a forensic probe into the audio clip that has come out in public. The matter will be thoroughly investigated to authenticate it.…