Shiv Sena's ‘dog' remark: ‘We never give importance to Sanjay Raut', says Fadnavis

The war of words between the two allies started after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray released an audio clip, purportedly of Fadnavis.

Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday came down heavily on Shiv Sena over the remark likening the Maharashtra Chief Minister to a 'dog' and said the BJP does not give importance to Sanjay Raut.

Raut, who is Shiv Sena's Rajya Sabha MP, had yesterday said that Fadnavis was "full of arrogance", adding, "Even a dog starts considering himself a tiger after coming to power."

"We never give importance to a person like Sanjay Raut. The media gives him importance. The whole country knows who has an ego," Fadnavis said on Sunday when asked about Raut's remark.

The war of words between the two allies started after Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray released an audio clip, purportedly of Fadnavis, in which the Maharashtra CM can be heard asking BJP workers to use all possible means to win Palghar Lok Sabha seat by-election on May 28.

Thackeray released the audio clip while addressing a rally on May 25 in Palghar. The BJP alleged that the Sena had tampered with the audio clip and that it would release its complete version soon. The party said it would also complain to the EC about the "misuse of technology.

Fadnavis was purportedly heard saying in the clip, "If somebody is challenging our existence in Palghar and has betrayed our trust, back-stabbed us while calling itself our ally, then they should be taught a lesson. We should not be sitting quietly now. We should launch a big attack and show them what the BJP is."

"If we want to win this election, then an answer has to be given in the same measure...Give an answer by using 'saam, daam, dand, bhed' (negotiation, money, punishment and division). Do not tolerate anybody's bullying. On the contrary, bully them...I will stand behind you," he purportedly said.

After releasing the audio, Thackeray demanded action against Fadnavis by the Election Commission (EC). Opposition Congress and NCP also demanded an EC probe into the clip.