As Maharashtra's election nears, the political climate has heated up due to 'cash for vote' allegations. Vinod Tawde, a national secretary of BJP, has been accused by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) of distributing cash to influence voters in Nalasopara at a Virar hotel. BVA alleges that besides cash, a red diary was found in his bag, which included details of the recipients.
The opposition has seized this opportunity to target the BJP. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, questioned on X (formerly Twitter), 'Mr. Modi, whose SAFE did this 5 crores come from? Who sent it to you in a Tempo after looting the public's money?'
Responding to Rahul Gandhi's allegations, Vinod Tawde tweeted, 'Mr. Rahul Gandhi, you're welcome to visit Nalasopara, view the hotel's CCTV footage, examine the entire proceedings by the Election Commission, and establish how this money was brought in. Without any knowledge, such statements are nothing more than childish.'
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also reacted to the 'cash for vote' charges against Vinod Tawde by posting on X, 'Mr. Modi aims to shield Maharashtra from Money Power and Muscle Power. On one hand, there's an attempt on a former Home Minister's life; on the other hand, a senior BJP leader is caught red-handed with 5 crores. This isn't what Maharashtra represents; the public will respond through voting tomorrow.'
Amid allegations from Bharatiya Janata Party's rivals ahead of the Maharashtra polls, Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal stated, 'He knows he's BJP's General Secretary and believes the Election Commission won't take any action. My query is - What has the Election Commission done? There is clear evidence, the BJP was caught red-handed... the law should be egalitarian. We urge for immediate arrest. The people of Maharashtra perceive it as indicative of BJP's position, and judgment will be clear on these issues.'
What has BJP said regarding the 'cash for vote' issue?
Addressing the accusations from the opposition about their senior member, BJP responded. National spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated, 'An unfounded accusation by the MVA is their last-ditch effort in Maharashtra. Vinod Tawde, our national secretary, was there as the constituency candidate requested him for a meeting. It’s crucial to scrutinize the hotel's surroundings via CCTV. Bringing 5 crores in pockets isn’t feasible; visibility of the transport method is essential. They should present shreds of evidence instead of baseless claims.'
How did Vinod Tawde respond to the allegations against him?
BJP's Vinod Tawde responded to the allegations stating, 'There was a meeting of Nalasopara legislators. I was there to guide booth workers on sealing voting machines post elections and filing objections with the Election Commission if necessary. Bahujan Vikas Aghadi's members, Appa Thakur and Kshitij Thakur, presumed money distribution. Let the Election Commission and the police proceed with their investigations and verify the CCTV footage. Appa Thakur, Kshitij, and all of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi know me; I have been in the party for 40 years. I trust that the Election Commission will conduct a fair inquiry.'
Nana Patole claims BJP resorted to Currency Jihad
State Congress President Nana Patole commented on allegations against Vinod Tawde, 'We’ve been informed that a diary was found in his possession indicating that 10 crores were already distributed. Additionally, they seized 5 crores yesterday. I hope the Election Commission hasn't made a fresh rule for BJP leaders. Action must be taken. They advocated for vote jihad, now they indulge in currency jihad. Their excuses won’t hold. Why was Vinod Tawde distributing party worker letters after the campaign ended yesterday at 5 PM as per his statement?'
BJP claims opposition tactics will fail
Maharashtra BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule added, 'Today, BJP's National Secretary Vinod Tawde was briefing local party workers in Nalasopara about election day preparations. However, our opposition fabricated a conspiracy to defame Vinod Tawde and BJP. Authorities are examining the matter. As a BJP leader, I assure you these tactics will be ineffective. The opposition concedes their defeat, hence resorting to such disgraceful maneuvers.'
