Maharashtra Election 2024: BJP's Vinod Tawde embroiled in cash-for-votes scam, denies claims (WATCH)
By Team Asianet Newsable | First Published Nov 19, 2024, 4:15 PM ISTBVA MLA Kshitij Thakur, accompanied by supporters, reached the hotel, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Supporters raised slogans against Tawde and claimed to have discovered envelopes containing cash and diaries at the venue. Viral videos circulated online show BVA supporters waving currency notes in front of the BJP leader.
Just hours before Maharashtra heads to the polls, a storm has erupted over allegations of cash distribution by BJP leaders, including general secretary and former minister Vinod Tawde, at a hotel in Virar, Palghar district. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) accused BJP candidate from Nalasopara, Rajan Naik, of distributing money to influence voters under Tawde's supervision.
BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur, accompanied by supporters, reached the hotel, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Supporters raised slogans against Tawde and claimed to have discovered envelopes containing cash and diaries at the venue. Viral videos circulated online show BVA supporters waving currency notes in front of the BJP leader.
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Breaking. BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde was caught red-handed distributing money to party workers & voters by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi at Vasai Virar, Mumbai.
Tawade was caught with Rs 5 Cr hard cash in hotel & in police security, he reportedly caught distributing the money.… pic.twitter.com/EsqpHVtQj8
Hitendra Thakur, BVA president, alleged that Rs 5 crore was distributed during the meeting. He also accused Tawde of possessing a diary with details of the cash transactions. Opposition parties quickly seized the moment, with the Congress sharing videos from the hotel and demanding strict action from the Election Commission.
"Demonetisation was their idea. Where does this cash come from?" asked NCP leader Supriya Sule, questioning the BJP's credibility. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also attacked the BJP, highlighting inconsistencies in how Uddhav Thackeray's belongings were searched in the past, while those "carrying cash bags" remained unchecked.
An FIR has been registered against Tawde following cash-for-vote allegations brought forward by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA). Acting on the complaint, the Election Commission launched an investigation and confirmed the seizure of approximately Rs 9 lakh in cash along with documents from a hotel in Nalasopara.
Tawde has refuted the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated. The case has added to the rising tensions as Maharashtra prepares for a high-stakes electoral contest.
As Maharashtra gears up to vote on Wednesday, these developments have heightened tensions in what is expected to be a closely contested election. The BJP, coming off a strong showing in the last Assembly elections with 161 seats, now faces an uphill battle amid shifting alliances and growing controversies.
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