Mumbai: On the eve of Maharashtra’s polls, political tensions flared in Nalasopara near Virar Tuesday as workers from the Bahujan Vikas Aaghadi (BVA) accused BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde of attempting to influence voters by distributing cash.
The allegations emerged after BVA workers claimed to have caught Tawde red-handed with cash at a hotel in Nalasopara. Alongside the cash, two diaries were reportedly recovered, allegedly containing details of the amounts earmarked for distribution.
Hitendra Thakur, the BVA MLA from Vasai-Virar, alleged that Tawde had arrived in Nalasopara with Rs 5 crore in cash. Addressing the media, Thakur claimed the tip-off about Tawde’s activities had come from BJP workers themselves.
The drama unfolded in front of the media, escalating further when Kshitij Thakur, the sitting MLA from Nalasopara and Hitendra Thakur’s son, reportedly snatched the diary containing details of the alleged cash distribution.
Kshitij Thakur further questioned Vinod Tawde’s presence in Nalasopara-Virar area, pointing out that campaigning had officially ended Monday evening.
Addressing a joint press conference with Thakur, Tawde denied the allegations and said that he had come to the hotel to speak with his workers regarding the elections.
“I was here to educate my workers ahead of the elections. The accusation about distributing the money needs to be investigated. I have been in politics for the past 40 years and have never distributed any money,” said Tawde.
However, Hitendra Thakur questioned how the money had reached the hotel.
“I was told that Tawde would come here with Rs 5 crore. This tip-off was given to me by BJP friends. The hotel’s CCTV cameras were also non-functional. So that needs to be investigated as well,” Hitendra Thakur said.
But since both Thakurs are candidates in this election, the election commission stopped the press conference.
In a statement released to the media, Uddhav Thackeray said, “Today, I visited the Tuljabhavani Mandir, where my bag was inspected by the EC. However, I’ve heard that large amounts of cash were found in the bags of Vinod Tawde, and others in Nashik yesterday. Also, Anil Deshmukh was attacked yesterday. Who will investigate all of this? It’s the EC’s job.”
“I dont have any proof, but from whatever news I’m getting, this is nothing but vote Jihad. This should be investigated by EC in a fair manner. This could be an internal gang war between Shinde group and BJP,” he added.
Congress state president Nana Patole said, “The ruling dispensation is misusing state machinery. The Election commission should not come under any pressure and investigate this matter. The BJP is scared of defeat and hence is trying to buy votes,” Patole said.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also reacted sharply and said that it was a shocking incident.
“But it is very shocking. The BJP is now finished. It is also very shocking that Tawde himself would sit with cash and distribute it,” Raut said.
The election commission has taken a note of this incident and asked for a detailed report from the district level election commission officer.
This is an updated version of the report
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