Mumbai: On the eve of Maharashtra’s crucial elections, high drama 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 occurred at a hotel in Virar, Palghar district, where BJP candidate Rajan Naik from Nalasopara was reportedly distributing cash in Mr. Tawde’s presence.
BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur and his supporters arrived at the scene, leading to a heated confrontation. Viral videos showed BVA supporters holding up currency notes in front of Mr. Tawde while alleging the discovery of cash-filled envelopes and diaries at the venue. The local police have registered an FIR regarding the incident.
BVA President Hitendra Thakur claimed that ₹5 crore in cash was distributed at the hotel, further alleging that Mr. Tawde possessed a diary detailing the disbursement.
Opposition Parties Demand Action
The Congress shared a video from the site, accusing the BJP of attempting to manipulate the election through money power. The party urged the Election Commission to investigate and take strict action.
Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) questioned the BJP’s cash reserves, pointing to the irony given the party’s role 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, highlighting perceived double standards. “While Uddhav Thackeray’s belongings were thoroughly checked, the real culprits with cash bags remain unchecked,” she remarked, calling for immediate action.
BJP Denies Allegations
The BJP dismissed the accusations as baseless, labeling them a political ploy by the BVA to tarnish its image ahead of the elections. The party clarified that Mr. Tawde was at the hotel to meet party workers and discuss poll strategies. It called for an impartial investigation by the Election Commission, including a review of CCTV footage, to clear the air.
Kiran Kulkarni, Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Electoral Officer, confirmed receiving the complaint and assured that necessary action would be taken.
Election Dynamics in Maharashtra
Maharashtra will vote on Wednesday in a fiercely contested election. The BJP, once in a strong alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena, now faces a fractured political landscape. Following their split over leadership disputes, the Shiv Sena divided into factions, with Eknath Shinde’s group allying with the BJP and Uddhav Thackeray’s faction partnering with Congress and Sharad Pawar’s NCP to form the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).
The current contest holds significant stakes. While the MVA aims to replicate its Lok Sabha success—having secured 30 of Maharashtra’s 48 seats earlier this year—the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is focused on reclaiming its dominance.
