Tue Nov 19 12:42:42 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Accused of Cash-for-Votes in Maharashtra Election Drama

**Palghar, Maharashtra –** A major election scandal erupted in Palghar, Maharashtra, just one day before the state assembly polls. BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde was accused by workers of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) party of attempting to bribe voters with ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000 USD).

The incident unfolded at the Vivanta Hotel in Palghar, where BVA workers alleged they caught Tawde distributing cash during a meeting with BJP candidate Rajan Naik. A viral video shows BVA workers seizing bundles of cash, while Tawde denies ownership. BVA leader Prashant Raut claims Tawde was hiding in the kitchen. The BVA also alleges the hotel deactivated its CCTV footage.

The BVA, a regional party with a strong presence in Palghar, claims to have also recovered two diaries from the bag containing the cash. BVA leader Hitendra Thakur, an MLA, alleges Tawde apologized and sought help escaping the hotel. Tawde maintains he was in Nalasopara for election-related guidance, not vote-buying.

Following a three-hour standoff, a planned joint press conference was halted by Election Commission officials due to the ongoing “silence period” before the election. Police have sealed the hotel and launched an investigation. Three FIRs have been filed: two against Tawde and Naik, and one for the illegal press conference. Police confirmed seizing cash and diaries. The election officer stated that the seizure won’t impact the election.

The incident has sparked outrage across the political spectrum. The Congress condemned the BJP, urging the Election Commission to take strict action. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition, questioned the source of the money and alluded to previous accusations against the BJP. Asaduddin Owaisi, AIMIM chief, questioned the nature of the alleged act. Uddhav Thackeray, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief, called for the removal of the BJP-led state government. The incident follows recent controversies involving luggage checks of political leaders in Maharashtra. The investigation is ongoing.

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