BJP leader Vinod Tawde on allegations of distributing money to woo voters – India TV

Maharashtra elections: Denying allegations that he distributed money to influence voters in the Maharashtra assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Vinod Tawde said he was well aware of the rules and it was not foolish to engage in such activity at the hotel of political opponents.

Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur had on Tuesday accused Tawde of distributing Rs 5 million to influence voters at a hotel in Virar, 60 kilometers from Mumbai.

‘I’m not stupid enough to go to their hotel’

However, the BJP leader denied the allegation, saying he had only provided guidance to party workers on poll procedures. “The Vivanta Hotel in Virar in Palghar belongs to the Thakurs. I am not stupid enough to go to their hotel and distribute money there,” Tawde told reporters.

The BJP leader said he has been in politics for 40 years and is aware of the rules and regulations, especially the ‘silence period’ before elections. “I was having a casual conversation with party workers. I was not campaigning,” Tawde said.

The BJP leader said he spoke only to party workers about the voting process.

MVA leaders demand thorough investigation

Meanwhile, opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders have demanded a thorough investigation by the Election Commission.

Tawde expressed his surprise that national leaders were involved in the issue and said, “BJP members are no longer stupid enough to distribute money in a hotel belonging to opposition parties. They need to realize this.”

Reiterating that he had no money on him, Tawde quipped: “Rs five crore Rahul Gandhi and Supriya Sule saw it, please send it to me. “They can deposit it into my bank account.”

Police on Tuesday registered two FIRs against Tawde, BJP candidate Rajan Naik and others in connection with the alleged distribution of cash to voters at the hotel in Palghar. A separate FIR was registered against BJP and Bahujan Vikas Aghadi officials for allegedly trying to address a press conference.

Three cases were registered at Tulinj police station in Palghar district for alleged violation of the electoral code of conduct in force for assembly polls.

(with PTI inputs)

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