Mumbai: On the eve of Maharashtra’s pivotal elections, a dramatic situation unfolded as the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) accused BJP leaders, including General Secretary and former minister Vinod Tawde, of distributing cash to influence voters. The incident allegedly took place at a hotel in Virar, Palghar district, where BJP candidate Rajan Naik from Nalasopara was reportedly seen distributing cash in Tawde’s presence.
BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur and his supporters arrived at the scene, sparking a heated confrontation. Viral videos showed BVA supporters displaying currency notes in front of Tawde while claiming to have found cash-filled envelopes and diaries at the location. The local police have filed an FIR in connection with the incident.
BVA President Hitendra Thakur accused the BJP of distributing ₹5 crore in cash at the hotel and claimed that Tawde was in possession of a diary detailing the cash disbursement.
Opposition Parties Call for Action
Congress shared a video from the site, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the election with money power. The party demanded that the Election Commission investigate the allegations and take strict action.
Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) questioned the BJP’s cash reserves, drawing attention to the irony of the party’s involvement in demonetization. “I’m shocked that a senior leader like Vinod Tawde is implicated in such allegations—if they are true,” she stated.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi criticized the BJP for perceived double standards, highlighting that while Uddhav Thackeray’s belongings were thoroughly searched, those allegedly involved with cash remained unchecked. She called for immediate action.
BJP Denies Allegations
The BJP dismissed the accusations as baseless, claiming they were a political maneuver by the BVA to damage its reputation ahead of the elections. The party clarified that Tawde was at the hotel to meet with party workers and discuss election strategies. The BJP called for an unbiased investigation by the Election Commission, including a review of CCTV footage to clarify the situation.
Kiran Kulkarni, Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer, confirmed receiving the complaint and assured that appropriate action would be taken.
Election Dynamics in Maharashtra
Maharashtra is set to vote on Wednesday in a highly competitive election. The BJP, which was once in a strong alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, now faces a fragmented political landscape. Following a leadership dispute, Shiv Sena split into factions, with Eknath Shinde’s group joining the BJP, while Uddhav Thackeray’s faction partnered with Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
This election is crucial, as the MVA seeks to replicate its success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where it won 30 out of Maharashtra’s 48 seats. Meanwhile, the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is focused on regaining its dominance.
