Cash scandal hits BJP on the eve of Maharashtra elections; MVA demands investigation – The Week

A day before Maharashtra goes to assembly elections, the Bharatiya Janata Party found itself in a hot spot after an FIR was filed against its general secretary Vinod Tawde for allegedly distributing money to voters in Palghar.

Tuling police in Nalasopara East registered the FIR after the Election Commission took notice of the complaint filed by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) chief Hitendra Thakur.

Tawde and the BJP dismissed the accusations as baseless and described it as a desperate attempt by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi ahead of the election.

The FIR was lodged against Tawde under sections of the Representation of People Act. However, the BJP claimed that the FIR was not related to cash payment for votes but was registered for MCC violations.

Meanwhile, police raided a hotel in Nalasopara and seized cash and some documents following complaints that BJP leaders were distributing money to influence voters.

Vasai Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pournima Chougule said, “There were BJP members on the upper floors and BVA workers on the lower floors. Some cash and a few diaries were seized.”

Thakur said some BJP leaders informed him that Tawde had come to the hotel to distribute Rs 5 million to woo voters. “I thought a national leader like him would not stoop to such an insignificant post. But I saw him here. I urge the Election Commission to take action against him and the BJP,” he said.

The BVA leader also claimed that the hotel where Tawde was staying had turned off CCTV footage.

“The hotel management seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They activated their CCTV only after we requested it. They were distributing money to manipulate voters,” he said.

There was a huge drama earlier in the day when BVA workers, led by Thakur, staged a demonstration in front of the hotel.

The incident sparked a political storm, with the opposition demanding a full investigation from the Electoral Commission.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut alleged that some BJP leaders were conspiring against Tawde. “No matter how much the BJP tried to hide it, whatever happened in Nallasopara-Virar happened in front of the cameras,” he said.

Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole accused the BJP of using the power of money to manipulate the election process. He said that the BJP, fearing defeat in the assembly elections, was misusing government machinery and resorting to corrupt practices to buy votes.

“The Electoral Commission must ensure a fair and transparent electoral process. But a series of incidents over the past month, including prejudicial actions against opposition leaders, have raised concerns. Opposition leaders’ bags were checked under suspicious circumstances and they were also checked,” Patole said. “They were prevented from flying, but no such scrutiny was made to the ruling party,” he said.