Tue Nov 19 09:09:32 UTC 2024: ## Virar Hotel Row: BJP Accused of Bribery, Clash Erupts
**Virar, Maharashtra:** A major clash erupted at a hotel in Virar, Maharashtra, after allegations of the BJP distributing money were made by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Kshitij Thakur. The accusations led to a confrontation between BJP and BVA workers, resulting in the alleged apprehension of BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde.
Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Vidya Chavan accused BJP leader Pravin Darekar of being involved, stating that the BJP has “nowhere to hide its face”. She demanded Tawde’s arrest, emphasizing the Election Commission’s responsibility as an autonomous body. Chavan further alleged irregularities, including the use of EVMs, distribution of money and alcohol, claiming a lack of adherence to election norms.
BVA president Hitendra Thakur echoed these concerns, questioning how the BJP could hold meetings and distribute money without facing consequences from the police or Election Commission. He claimed that Tawde was to bring ₹5 crore and that diaries were found at the scene. He further alleged that Tawde called him 25 times to apologize and request the issue not be escalated.
BJP responded by downplaying the incident. Party leader Prasad Lad stated that Vinod Tawde, a senior leader, shouldn’t be subjected to such accusations. He urged Hitendra Thakur to submit any video evidence to the Election Commission.
The incident gained further traction after a video of the altercation surfaced online. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut shared the video on Twitter, accusing the BJP of foul play and highlighting the alleged hypocrisy of the Election Commission checking bags of opposition leaders while ignoring this incident. He specifically referenced the bag checks of former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray during his recent statewide tour. The BJP has denied all allegations. The situation remains tense, with both parties trading accusations.
First Piper 