Maharashtra Assembly Polls Eve: BJP Leader Vinod Tawde Accused Of Cash Distribution
Maharashtra Assembly Polls Eve: BJP Leader Vinod Tawde Accused Of Cash Distribution
On the eve of Maharashtra’s state assembly elections, political tensions flared in Virar as Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) workers accused BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde of attempting to distribute cash to sway voters. The Election Commission (EC) confirmed seizing ₹9.93 lakh from a hotel room linked to Tawde.
The incident sparked a three-hour standoff, culminating in a proposed joint press conference involving Tawde, BVA leaders Hitendra Thakur and Kshitij Thakur, and BJP candidate Rajan Naik. However, EC officials intervened, citing election laws, and halted the event. The police have since registered an FIR regarding the matter.
BVA leaders claimed Tawde was caught with a bag containing cash and a diary allegedly referencing ₹15 crore earmarked for distribution. Hitendra Thakur accused Tawde of arriving in Virar with ₹5 crore, questioning his presence after the campaigning period ended. The situation was further aggravated by the hotel’s reportedly disabled CCTV cameras.
Responding to the allegations, Uddhav Thackeray, Sena UBT chief, called the episode a reflection of corruption. “My bags were checked, and nothing was found. Yet cash has allegedly been discovered in Vinod Tawde’s possession. Who is responsible for ensuring fairness?” he said.
The BJP dismissed the accusations as politically motivated. Senior leader Sudhir Mungantiwar labeled the claims “absurd,” adding, “Tawde is a national leader; the idea of him distributing money at ward levels is laughable.” Atul Bhatkhalkar, another BJP leader, called it a desperate attempt by the opposition to tarnish the party’s image ahead of the elections.
The EC has confirmed ongoing investigations into the allegations and the hotel’s involvement.
BJP leader Vinod Tawade in his explanation stated that these accusations are baseless. I was present there to guide about the procedure during and after the polls are held. He further said, “A meeting was organized in Nalasopara yesterday to ensure the proper implementation of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the elections. However, workers of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi arrived and created a ruckus.
The opposition, frustrated by the overwhelming support being received by the Mahayuti (grand alliance), is attempting to make baseless allegations into an issue. I also urge the Election Commission to conduct a fair investigation into this matter.”
