India, Oct. 25 -- An audio clip in which an unidentified woman allegedly claims that Rs 500 crore was paid to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil through Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde has triggered a bitter war of words between Maharashtra's ruling allies, the BJP and the Shiv Sena led by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The controversy centres on the origins and authenticity of the recording, which Jarange Patil released at a press conference on Thursday.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has ordered a forensic examination of the audio clip. The allegations have also prompted accusations of political conspiracy, deepening tensions between the two ruling allies.

Shiv Sena alleges conspiracy against Eknath Shinde

The Shiv Sena...