Tue Nov 19 23:36:46 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Accused of Vote-Buying Ahead of Maharashtra Assembly Elections
**Mumbai, November 20** – A day before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde has been accused of distributing money to influence voters. The controversy erupted when Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) president Hitendra Thakur and his son, Kshitij Thakur (also a candidate in the Nalasopara constituency), arrived at a Virar hotel where Tawde was meeting with BJP candidate Rajan Naik and party workers.
The BVA alleges that Tawde arrived with ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000 USD) and was distributing it to voters. A scuffle ensued between BJP and BVA workers at the hotel, and videos surfaced showing individuals with cash and a diary purportedly containing financial records.
Following the allegations, the Election Commission of India (ECI) filed two FIRs against Tawde and Naik. The first FIR pertains to violating the election code of conduct, and the second accuses them of bribing voters with cash and liquor. Reports indicate that ECI officials seized ₹9 lakh (approximately $108,000 USD) and documents from Tawde’s room.
Tawde denied the allegations, stating he was attending a workers’ meeting and that the opposition misinterpreted his presence. Thakur countered, claiming the hotel’s CCTV cameras were initially turned off and were only activated after their intervention. He alleged that Tawde remained at the hotel for over three hours, distributing money.
The incident comes amidst other reports of large cash seizures in the state. On Tuesday, ₹1.98 crore was seized from a hotel in Nasik, and a previous seizure of ₹2.5 crore was made in Nerul on November 12th.
The Maharashtra Assembly elections were held on November 20th. The allegations against Tawde have added to the already tense political atmosphere. The ECI is investigating the matter.
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