Wed Nov 20 10:36:51 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Accused of Vote-Buying in Maharashtra
**Virar, Maharashtra:** Hours before voting in Maharashtra, a regional party, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), has accused senior BJP leader and former minister Vinod Tawde of distributing cash at a hotel in Virar, Palghar district, allegedly to influence voters.
The BVA alleges that Tawde, along with BJP candidate Rajan Naik from Nalasopara, was caught red-handed distributing cash to influence voters. The incident unfolded when sitting MLA and BVA member Kshitij Thakur, along with his supporters, arrived at the hotel and confronted Tawde. A subsequent scuffle ensued, with BVA supporters reportedly finding cash and diaries in envelopes at the scene. Videos circulating online purportedly show BVA supporters waving currency notes in front of Tawde.
The Congress party has also shared videos of the incident, accusing the BJP of attempting to use money power to influence the election. The Congress called for the Election Commission to take strict action, stating that senior leaders were involved in the alleged vote-buying scheme.
The BVA’s accusations and the circulating videos have caused significant uproar, raising concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the region. The Election Commission is yet to comment on the allegations.
First Piper 