A dramatic turn of events unfolded just a day before the highly anticipated Maharashtra Assembly elections, as workers from the regional Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) party accused BJP leader Vinod Tawde of attempting to influence voters through the distribution of cash in Palghar. The controversy erupted when BVA workers stormed into the Vivanta Hotel in Palghar during a meeting between Tawde and Rajan Naik, the BJP candidate for the Nalasopara Assembly seat. The BVA workers alleged that Tawde was caught in the act with a large sum of money, claiming that he was trying to bribe voters in exchange for support.
The workers insisted that they had uncovered Rs 5 crore in cash, which they believed was meant for buying votes ahead of the election. Tawde, however, strongly denied the accusations, with BJP sources claiming that only Rs 9 lakh was found, and that this amount was earmarked to cover the costs of meals for party workers on election day. Tawde and his supporters argued that the money was part of legitimate election expenses, which would be properly accounted for in the party's financial disclosures.
The situation quickly escalated as BVA workers began recording a viral video showing the cash allegedly found in the room. In the footage, Tawde can be seen rejecting ownership of the money, further fueling the growing controversy. As tensions rose, Prashant Raut, a prominent BVA leader, accused Tawde of attempting to flee from the scene, claiming that he had been hiding in the hotel’s kitchen when the workers arrived. The BVA workers also alleged that the hotel had deliberately turned off its CCTV cameras during the incident to cover up any evidence.
Hitendra Thakur, the leader of BVA and MLA from Vasai, took to the media to accuse Tawde of attempting to bribe voters. Thakur alleged that when the bag containing the cash was opened, two diaries were also found. These diaries, according to Thakur, could potentially contain evidence of other illegal activities. He claimed that Tawde later apologized for his actions and asked for his assistance in leaving the hotel discreetly. Thakur further stated that Tawde had tried to smooth things over by seeking help from him and his son, Kshitij, who is also a candidate in the Nalasopara constituency.
Tawde, in response, issued a public statement defending his actions and calling the allegations baseless. He clarified that he had been in Palghar to provide guidance to the BJP's local election workers, not to distribute cash. Tawde explained that the meeting with Rajan Naik was a routine discussion regarding election-related matters. He added that the commotion caused by BVA workers was unprovoked and that he had tried to reach out to Hitendra Thakur to de-escalate the situation. Tawde also pointed out that the entire episode had been recorded on CCTV, which he believed would prove his innocence.
The controversy quickly became a focal point of the ongoing election campaign, drawing sharp reactions from various political parties and figures. Tawde, in his clarification, urged for an impartial investigation by the Election Commission to get to the bottom of the allegations and clear his name. The incident raised questions about the integrity of the election process in Maharashtra, with opposition leaders demanding swift action from the Election Commission to ensure a free and fair vote.
The Election Commission did not remain silent in the face of the escalating tensions. After the altercation at the hotel, the police sealed the premises and initiated a thorough search. Authorities confirmed that some cash and two diaries were recovered from the hotel, prompting further inquiries. A total of three FIRs were filed, including two against Tawde and BJP candidate Rajan Naik. A third FIR was filed for allegedly violating the "silence period" ahead of the election by holding an impromptu press conference, which is prohibited during this time. The Election Commission also ordered an investigation into the matter to ascertain the facts surrounding the distribution of money.
While Tawde maintained his innocence, the opposition parties seized the opportunity to target the BJP. The Congress party accused the BJP of trying to sway the elections with money and demanded strict action from the Election Commission. Rahul Gandhi, the leader of Congress, sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his alleged connection to the scandal, using the opportunity to mock Modi’s "ek hain toh safe hain" slogan, suggesting that the cash used in the incident may have been part of a broader financial scheme involving the BJP. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, "Modi ji, from whose SAFE did these Rs 5 crore come? Who looted the public's money and sent you in the tempo?" Gandhi’s comment was a direct reference to Modi’s past allegations involving the Congress party receiving "cash loaded in tempos" from prominent industrialists.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi also entered the fray, questioning whether the BJP’s actions could be classified as "vote jihad" or "dharma yudh," terms that have gained currency in the ongoing election discourse in Maharashtra. Owaisi’s comment alluded to the BJP’s rhetoric around religious and ideological battles, which had become a key feature of the party’s campaign in the state.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray also weighed in on the issue, calling for the removal of the "corrupt" BJP-led alliance from power in Maharashtra. Thackeray, known for his vocal opposition to the BJP, accused the ruling alliance of fostering corruption and spreading fear during the election period. He described the BJP’s actions as part of a wider pattern of misconduct, calling on voters to reject the party’s leadership.
This controversy adds to the increasing number of election-related incidents that have plagued the Maharashtra campaign, with multiple political leaders' luggage being checked by election officials in recent weeks. The scrutiny of party leaders’ movements and finances has been a key issue, particularly after Uddhav Thackeray raised concerns about the election authorities' routine inspection of his own luggage. The controversy surrounding Tawde’s meeting in Palghar is just one of many such incidents, which have sparked debates about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
As the Maharashtra Assembly election nears, the unfolding drama in Palghar has only heightened the stakes, with accusations of vote-buying and financial misconduct taking center stage in the political discourse. The Election Commission's investigation into the matter will be critical in determining whether these allegations hold any weight and what consequences they may have on the election outcome. The situation continues to unfold, and it is likely to remain a focal point of political debate in the coming days.
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