NEW DELHI: An FIR was filed on Tuesday against BJP leader Vinod Tawde in cash-for-vote charges as the Election Commission took action based on Bahujan Vikas Aghadi‘s complaint. The poll body official also said that around Rs 9 lakh cash and documents were seized from hotel in Nalasopara. Tawde, however, has denied the charges.
The Tuling police in Nalasopara East registered FIR against BJP’s Tawde under sections of the Representation of People’s Act.
The action against Tawde came hours after after dramatic scene unfolded in Palghar’s Nalasopara assembly constituency when workers from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi created a commotion outside a hotel where BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde was holding a meeting. The workers, led by BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur, accused the BJP of distributing money.
Responding to the allegations, Tawde firmly denied the claims, emphasising his commitment to transparency. “A meeting of MLAs from Nalasopara was underway to discuss the model code of conduct, sealing of voting machines, and handling objections. Appa Thakur and Kshitij misunderstood and thought we were distributing money,” Tawde said.
He called for an impartial investigation, adding, “Let the Election Commission and Police inquire, and let them get CCTV footage. I have been in the party for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, the entire party knows me. I believe the Election Commission should conduct a thorough investigation.”
Allegations and reactions
Speaking to reporters, Thakur alleged that Tawde came to Virar with Rs 5 crore to influence voters. “Some BJP leaders informed me that BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde is coming to Virar to disburse Rs 5 crore to influence voters. I thought a national leader like him would not stoop to such a trivial task. But I saw him here. I urge the Election Commission to take action against him and the BJP. The hotel’s CCTV recording was initially deactivated, showing complicity,” Thakur claimed.
The BVA legislator alleged the hotel Tawde was staying had shut CCTV recording. “The hotel administration seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They only activated their CCTV after we requested it. Tawde was distributing money to manipulate voters,” he said.
A purported video of the altercation between Tawde and BVA leaders has surfaced on social media, fueling the controversy.
Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, saying, “The BJP’s scheme has come to an end. Thakur has done what the Election Commission should have done. EC officials search our bags and scrutinise us, yet these individuals from the BJP face no such checks.”
BJP came in support of its leader
Refuting the allegations, BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar dismissed them as a “publicity stunt.” He said, “The MVA has already lost the game. They are destined for defeat in this election, which is why they are making such absurd allegations against us. What Thakur is doing is nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
High-stakes election
The incident comes as Maharashtra heads into the final stages of its high-stakes Assembly elections. With campaigning wrapped up on Monday, voting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, followed by counting on November 23.
The polls will decide the fate of the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locked in a fierce battle. The election has been marked by shifting alliances, caste dynamics, and emotional appeals, making it a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.