Poll-bound Maharashtra witnessed high drama on Tuesday as Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) activists accused BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde of distributing cash to influence voters. The incident occurred at a hotel in Virar, Palghar district, sparking a major controversy.
BVA workers, led by legislator Kshitij Thakur, gheraoed Tawde and demanded his arrest. They claimed he distributed ₹5 crore to BJP workers ahead of polling on Wednesday. Thakur warned that Tawde would not leave the hotel until the polling ended.
A viral video showed BVA activists confronting Tawde and BJP nominee Rajan Naik, alleging cash distribution. The activists also displayed a diary purportedly detailing the disbursement.
Tawde Denies Allegations Amid Accusations
Tawde denied the charges, stating he was briefing party workers on polling day preparations. He called the accusations a “conspiracy by rival groups” to create a controversy.
“I was explaining voting machine procedures and how to handle objections,” Tawde told IANS. “The ECI will investigate, and the truth will emerge.” Other BJP leaders dismissed the claims as a political stunt by BVA ahead of elections.
ECI to Investigate the Controversy
BVA chief Hitendra Thakur demanded immediate action by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He claimed to possess a diary and a laptop detailing the cash distribution.
Thakur alleged that Tawde called him repeatedly to apologize and asked him to leave the venue. He insisted that Tawde and Naik address the allegations publicly. Meanwhile, the police intervened to disperse the BVA workers gathered outside the hotel.
The BJP called on the ECI to examine the video footage and investigate the claims. “This is a political gimmick by the opposition,” said a BJP leader.
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