Wed Nov 20 05:49:58 UTC 2024: ## BJP Leader Accused of Vote-Buying in Maharashtra Election Eve Scandal

**Mumbai, India –** A major political controversy erupted in Maharashtra on Tuesday, just hours before crucial state assembly elections, after BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde was accused of distributing cash to voters. The allegations, made by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), led to three FIRs filed against Tawde and sparked a heated exchange between the ruling Mahayuti and the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

The incident unfolded at a Virar hotel where Tawde was meeting with a local BJP candidate. BVA members, led by Hitendra Thakur, stormed the hotel, claiming Tawde was distributing ₹5 crore (approximately $600,000 USD) to influence voters. A video of the confrontation, showing cash being thrown at Tawde, went viral. The Election Commission’s flying squad subsequently recovered ₹9.93 lakh (approximately $120,000 USD) from hotel rooms booked under the candidate’s name. A diary allegedly detailing the money distribution was also reportedly seized.

Tawde vehemently denied the allegations, asserting his innocence and calling for an impartial investigation. He claimed the money belonged to the candidate and that he was only present for a brief meeting. He also pointed to CCTV footage as evidence of his claims. However, police filed FIRs against Tawde for violating the Model Code of Conduct, breaching Section 126 of the Representation of the People Act (by holding a press conference within 48 hours of the election), and for allegedly being present in a constituency where he isn’t a voter. A separate FIR was also filed against Thakur for participating in the press conference.

The MVA seized the opportunity to attack the Mahayuti, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning the source of the alleged funds on X (formerly Twitter). Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray labeled the incident “note jihad,” while party spokesperson Sanjay Raut alleged a deeper conspiracy within the BJP.

The BJP, however, dismissed the accusations as a desperate attempt by the MVA to deflect from their anticipated defeat. Party spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticized the lack of concrete evidence and emphasized the opposition’s burden of proof.

The incident, unfolding in the shadow of a closely contested election, has significantly escalated tensions and added a layer of controversy to the already heated political climate in Maharashtra. The investigation is ongoing, and the fallout from this high-profile case is likely to continue well beyond election day.

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