Uddhav releases controversial audio-clip of Fadnavis; BJP calls technology misuse
What's the story
Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, while addressing a rally last night in Palghar, released an audio clip, purportedly of Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis asking BJP workers to use all possible means to win the by-election. The BJP alleged that the Sena had tampered with the audio clip. BJP said it would also complain to the EC about the "misuse of technology".
Audio clip
Use 'saam, daam, dand, bhed': Fadnavis heard saying in clip
Fadnavis was heard saying in the clip, "If somebody is challenging our existence in Palghar and has betrayed our trust, then they should be taught a lesson. We should launch a big attack and show them what the BJP is." "If we want to win this election, then give an answer by using 'saam, daam, dand, bhed' (negotiation, money, punishment, and division)," he added.
Opposition demands action
Thackeray demands action against Fadnavis; NCP demands EC probe
After releasing the audio, Thackeray demanded action against Fadnavis by the Election Commission (EC). The opposition, Congress and NCP, also demanded an EC probe into the clip. "If the clip is authentic, then the chief minister should immediately resign, but if it is fake, then Fadnavis should take action against Uddhav Thackeray," Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Ashok Chavan tweeted.
BJP cries foul
Sena edited the clip, we will release full clip: BJP
"The CM and ordinary citizens are all equal before law. Sena should make a written complaint to the EC under IPC section 506," NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said. BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari, however, said, "The Sena is showing an incomplete and edited audio clip" Bhandari added that they will complain to the EC about the misuse of technology and also release the full clip.