Tue Nov 19 16:04:50 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Accused of Vote-Buying in Maharashtra Election
**Mumbai, Maharashtra** – A video allegedly showing BJP national secretary Vinod Tawde distributing cash has surfaced just hours before polling in the Maharashtra Assembly elections, sparking a major political controversy. The incident occurred in Nalasopara, Palghar district.
The opposition Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav claimed this is a typical BJP tactic, alleging the party frequently distributes money before elections. Tawde, however, denied the allegations, stating that a meeting regarding the proper implementation of the model code of conduct was disrupted by workers from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA). He attributed the accusations to the opposition’s frustration over the BJP-led alliance’s apparent popularity. He urged the Election Commission to conduct an impartial investigation.
Following accusations by the BVA that BJP was distributing money, election officials raided a hotel where Tawde was holding a meeting. The BVA’s MLA, Kshitij Thakur, and his workers created a disturbance outside the hotel, leading to the raid.
Police seized cash and diaries from the hotel. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Vasai Zone-II) Poornima Chaugule confirmed that separate groups of BJP and BVA workers were present on different floors and that two FIRs have been registered, with a third pending related to an unauthorized press conference. She stated the situation is under control.
BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissed the allegations as baseless, pointing out that the Maha Vikas Aghadi isn’t even contesting in the Nalasopara constituency. He accused the Maha Vikas Aghadi of resorting to desperate measures as the elections conclude. He challenged them to present any evidence they possess.
Shiv Sena leader Uddhav Thackeray demanded action based on evidence, warning that Maharashtra would take action if necessary. The Election Commission is reportedly investigating the matter. The additional Chief Electoral Officer, Kiran Kulkarni, confirmed that the situation is under control and that the process of filing an FIR is underway. A flying squad also inspected the premises and seized some items.
First Piper 