Tue Nov 19 15:06:24 UTC 2024: ## Cash-for-Votes Scandal Rocks Maharashtra Election Eve

**Mumbai, Maharashtra –** A major cash-for-votes scandal has erupted in Maharashtra just hours before the state’s crucial Assembly elections. The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), a regional party, has accused BJP leaders, including national general secretary and former minister Vinod Tawde, of distributing large sums of money at a Virar hotel in Palghar district.

BVA supporters, led by MLA Kshitij Thakur, confronted Tawde and allegedly found envelopes containing cash and diaries at the hotel. Videos circulating online show BVA members waving stacks of currency notes in front of Tawde. Palghar District Collector Govind Bodke confirmed that ₹993,000 (approximately $12,000 USD) was recovered from the hotel. BVA president Hitendra Thakur claims ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000 USD) was distributed.

While Tawde has been named in an FIR for campaigning during the silent period, he is not mentioned in another FIR related to the alleged cash distribution. The BJP candidate from Nalasopara, Rajan Naik, was also reportedly present at the hotel.

The allegations have sparked outrage among opposition parties. The Congress shared video evidence on X (formerly Twitter) and demanded the Election Commission take immediate action. NCP leader Supriya Sule questioned the source of the cash, given the BJP’s past demonetization efforts. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi highlighted the perceived disparity in scrutiny between different political figures.

The BJP vehemently denies the allegations, calling them a political stunt by the BVA. The party insists Tawde was at the hotel for a routine meeting with party workers. They have called for an investigation and review of CCTV footage.

The Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Maharashtra, Kiran Kulkarni, stated that a complaint has been received and appropriate action will be taken. The incident adds significant drama to an already fiercely contested election, where the BJP-led Mahayuti and the Maha Vikas Aghadi are vying for power. The outcome of the election, scheduled for Wednesday, will significantly reshape Maharashtra’s political landscape.

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