Tue Nov 19 14:40:00 UTC 2024: ## Cash-for-Votes Allegation Rocks Maharashtra Election Campaign
**Virar, Maharashtra:** A major controversy erupted in Virar, Maharashtra, on the eve of the 2024 Assembly elections, with allegations of vote-buying against BJP national secretary Vinod Tawde. Members of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) accused Tawde of distributing cash to women at the Vivanta Hotel in Virar East. The ensuing confrontation led to a chaotic scene, with BVA activists clashing with BJP supporters, resulting in the police sealing the hotel.
The incident unfolded when BVA activists reportedly found bundles of cash inside the hotel, prompting a heated argument and physical altercation. MLA Kshitij Thakur was also present at the scene and displayed the seized cash to the media. Large crowds from both parties gathered, leading to heightened tension before police intervention.
While Tawde denies the allegations, BVA leader Hitendra Thakur alleges that Tawde was caught red-handed and that attempts to hold a press conference to address the matter were thwarted by the Election Commission due to the ongoing model code of conduct. Thakur expressed his frustration with the situation, questioning the rationale behind stopping the press conference and alleging that significant amounts of money were found, with varying sums in different rooms. He further questioned Tawde’s presence so close to the election.
Adding to the controversy, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MP Supriya Sule reacted strongly to the incident, questioning how the BJP had access to so much cash despite demonetization.
The police have seized the cash and are investigating the matter. The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing election campaign and sparked widespread debate about alleged electoral malpractice.
First Piper 