BJP's Vinod Tawde Accused Of Cash Distribution On Maharashtra Poll Eve

Last Updated:November 19, 2024, 16:36 IST

The allegations were made by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur, who accused Tawde of distributing cash to woo voters

Vinod Tawde accused of distributing cash in Maharashtra (Video screengrabs/Social Media)

As Maharashtra gears up for tomorrow’s crucial polling day, a major controversy has erupted on Tuesday after BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde was accused of distributing cash.

The allegations were made by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur, who accused Tawde of distributing cash to woo voters at the Vivanta Hotel in Virar, Maharashtra’s Palghar district.

Speaking to reporters, Thakur claimed, “Some BJP leaders informed me that BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde is coming to Virar to disburse Rs 5 crore to influence voters. I thought a national leader like him would not stoop to such a trivial task. But I saw him here. I urge the Election Commission to take action against him and the BJP."

The BVA legislator further alleged the hotel Tawde was staying had shut CCTV recording. “The hotel administration seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They only activated their CCTV after we requested it," he said, news agency PTI reported.

Tawde Denies Allegations

In response to the allegations, Tawde denied the claims made by the BVA workers and called for an impartial investigation by the Election Commission.

“A meeting of workers was being held in the Nalasopara Assembly constituency, where we were explaining the election day code of conduct, such as how to seal the voting machines, how the final seal should be applied, and the necessary steps in case of objections. I had gone there to explain these points. However, the workers of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi believed we were distributing money. The Election Commission should conduct an inquiry, the police should investigate, and the CCTV footage should be examined. The Election Commission must carry out an impartial investigation," Tawde explained.

Protest erupts 

Workers of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi were seen protesting and raising slogans in Virar, as they surrounded Tawde, videos widely shared on social media showed. They also claimed to have found a diary containing detailed records of the alleged cash distribution.

A heavy police presence was called in to manage the situation.

Later, a video shared by the Congress party showed Bahujan Vikas Aghadi supporters waving currency notes in front of Tawde.

“BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde has been caught distributing money in a hotel in Maharashtra. Vinod Tawde had taken the money in a bag and was calling people there and distributing the money," a rough translation of Congress’s tweet in Hindi suggested.

“When the public came to know about this news, there was a huge uproar. Many videos of Vinod Tawde with money are coming out," the party wrote, urging the Election Commission to take cognisance of the matter.

Meanwhile, the BJP denied all such accusations and termed those “baseless".

“The Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has resorted to lies and falsehood and conspiracy against Vinod Tawde ji. All allegations are baseless. The people of Maharashtra will give a befitting response to this conspiracy by MVA," BJP national spokesperson Pradip Bhandari said. 

Elections to the 288-member Maharashtra legislative assembly will be held on November 20 and the counting of votes will take place on November 23.

(With inputs from Mayuresh Ganapatye)

News elections BJP's Vinod Tawde Accused Of Cash Distribution On Maharashtra Poll Eve