Shiv Sena ministers have warned of a strong and befitting reply after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Maharashtra Forest Minister Ganesh Naik’s remark about “finishing off their existence”, allegedly aimed at Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, triggered a sharp political exchange between the ruling allies, news agency PTI reported.

Naik made the comment on Sunday, stating that if the BJP allowed, “we can finish off their existence”, an apparent reference to his long-time rival Shinde. The remark has revived tensions between the two parties, which have a history of rivalry despite being part of the Mahayuti alliance.