Maharashtra is gearing up for the assembly elections tomorrow. The hot topic today is that BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde has been allegedly caught distributing cash in a hotel. Photos have emerged, revealing Bahujan Vikas Aghadi members waving bundles of currency notes at Vivanta Hotel in Nalasopara. BVA candidate Kshitij Thakur has also claimed to have retrieved a diary containing names of the alleged beneficiaries of the cash distribution.
Following hours of chaos, the Election Commission has filed a case against Vinod Tawde and Rajan Naik. Subsequently, Kshitij Thakur and Hitendra Thakur, who leveled the accusations, held a joint press conference, trying to dispel doubts about the 'cash scandal'.
An Opportunity for the Opposition
The incident has given the opposition a formidable talking point. From Shiv Sena UBT to NCP and Congress, all political adversaries are accusing the BJP of electoral corruption. Opposition leaders question how the Election Commission missed this while checking opponents' belongings, yet found ₹5 crore with the BJP General Secretary. While the truth will emerge after the investigation, for now, it has become a major political issue.
Critical Questions Arise...
The pertinent question is whether this cash controversy will influence voter behavior in Maharashtra. Will Tawde’s justification sway the electorate?
The Clamor and Tawde's Response
Amidst the uproar, Vinod Tawde alternates between attempts to clarify his position and taking sips of water from a bottle in front of him. The video footage shows persistent commotion with people displaying currency notes, diaries, and a black bag. This uproar at the Vivanta Hotel in Nalasopara seemed unstoppable, drawing increasing crowds of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi supporters from the hall to the hotel's exterior.
The Essence of the Accusations
This scandal revolves around electoral corruption and bribery allegations before voting. Pictures show Bahujan Vikas Aghadi activists with currency notes and a diary, serving as evidence of BJP's Vinod Tawde attempting to distribute ₹5 crore before the elections.
BVA leader Kshitij Thakur displayed diary entries as evidence of cash distribution recipients.
Tawde’s Defense
Vinod Tawde has been consistently defending himself, demanding an election commission inquiry, citing CCTV footage and evidence. Yet, as a precaution, the tires of his car were deflated to prevent his exit from the hotel. Meanwhile, police sealed off the hotel, culminating in a case being filed against Tawde.
The Election Commission has lodged an FIR under the Representation of the People Act against BJP's General Secretary Vinod Tawde and candidate Rajan Naik for cash distribution in Nalasopara.
Political Uproar
The day before elections commence in a state where BJP contests on a platform of good governance and development. The direct cash benefit scandal has left BJP struggling to explain.
Press Conference with Complainants
Amid election tumult and opposition parties raising concerns about helicopters and baggage inspections, Vinod Tawde, accused of the cash scandal, shared a joint press conference with complainants Hitendra and Kshitij Thakur.
Within hours, the narrative shifted, claiming ₹5 crore was not found on the premises. Bahujan Vanchit Aghadi leaders insist they had heard of the cash distribution. The investigation will clarify the matter, revealing the election outcome in due course.
Further Reading: Sanjay Raut Addresses Cash for Vote Conspiracy Against Vinod Tawde
In total, three FIRs have been filed, with two involving BJP candidates, and one involving Vinod Tawde. Another FIR also names the BVA.
Circumstantial Evidence
Reports indicate ₹9,53,900 was confiscated by election officials. Maharashtra Additional Chief Election Officer Kiran Kulkarni stated that upon receiving information in Nalasopara, police and the election machinery's flying squad surveyed and made some seizures, ensuring compliance with the code of conduct, warning that any violations would face legal consequences.
Maharashtra's election involves 288 assembly seats, with voting on November 20, and results on November 23.
