BJP MLC Prasad Lad on Saturday sought to play down tensions between his party and the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena over the controversy surrounding an audio clip released by Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange, asserting that the two ruling alliance partners remained united.

Lad accused Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut of attempting to create a rift between the BJP and the Shiv Sena. He also indicated that the BJP would consider the dispute closed following discussions among leaders of the ruling Mahayuti alliance.