In a dramatic turn of events before the Maharashtra elections, BJP's veteran leader and National General Secretary Vinod Tawde is embroiled in serious allegations of 'Cash for Vote'. He has been confronted by workers of the opposition party, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), in a Mumbai hotel. The BVA claims Tawde arrived with 50 million rupees to be distributed. However, Tawde has dismissed these allegations as false.
The tension escalates as the opponents have sealed the entire Vivanta Hotel. The situation is highly tense as the area is considered a stronghold for BVA. Their workers accuse Tawde of distributing cash for votes. Meanwhile, several police officers have reached the hotel, with more BVA activists gathering at the venue.
Hiten Thakur Arrives with Son at Hotel
Amidst the uproar, BVA chief Hiten Thakur has arrived at the hotel, accompanied by his son Kshitij Thakur. Hiten accuses Vinod Tawde of coming with 50 million rupees. Two diaries were allegedly recovered from him. Both Hiten and his son are incumbent legislators from Vasai and Nalasopara. Kshitij is contesting from Nalasopara once again.
Tawde retorted, explaining, "I was there for booth management work, instructing our workers in a meeting on how the EVM machines are sealed post-voting. Our opposition assumed money was being distributed in the process." He added, "I have been in the party for 40 years. The truth is known to all, but the Election Commission and police should investigate this matter. There is CCTV footage in the hotel. Investigation will clear everything."
If There is Evidence, Approach EC: Amit Malviya
Amit Malviya, head of BJP's IT cell, also commented on the incident. He suggested, "If the opposition possesses evidence, they should approach the Election Commission." Malviya termed the incident a conspiracy, asserting, "Leaders review their booth management 24 hours before elections. Such drama is typical of losing candidates, as observed currently in Nalasopara. An organization meeting was ongoing in that hotel."
My Bag Was Checked by EC Officials: Uddhav
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reacted to the incident. He stated, "When I was visiting Mother Tuljabhavani, my bag was checked by Election Commission officials, finding nothing. Now it emerges money was found in Vinod Tawde's bag. Regarding Anil Deshmukh's attack yesterday, who should investigate where the stones came from? I pray to Mother Tuljabhavani to rid the state of this corrupt and fear-spreading government."
