Key Updates from Maharashtra Elections 2024, Vinod Tawde Implicated in 'Cash for Votes' Controversy
On the eve of Maharashtra's elections, Virar witnessed a heightened political drama as Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) workers accused BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde of attempting to bribe voters. The confrontation unfolded at a hotel in Virar, where BVA members claimed that Tawde was caught carrying cash meant for voter inducement. According to the BVA, Tawde was allegedly in possession of a bag containing a diary that documented the distribution of ₹15 crore.
Virar Hotel Drama: Vinod Tawde Accused of Bribery Ahead of Maharashtra Elections 2024
BVA MLA from Vasai-Virar, Hitendra Thakur, has accused Tawde of arriving with ₹5 crores in cash. The party workers are fuming. Viral videos from social media show that the argument was intense between Tawde and BVA activists. In a video, Nalasopara MLA Kshitij Thakur is shown to be taking hold of the purported diary and holding it up on camera, saying it includes evidence related to the bribe scam. Thakur also queried Tawde's visit to Virar on Tuesday night after the official campaign period ended on Monday evening.
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This controversy deepened further with some members of BVA raising questions over non-functional CCTV cameras at the hotel. Kshitij Thakur even accused that establishment of disabling cameras to bypass evidence of unlawful activities. BVA has demanded a proper investigation in the matter by calling upon authorities to scrutinise Tawde's activities and the alleged money trail.
Vinod Tawde has strongly denied the allegations, terming them to be a baseless and politically motivated step. The BJP has described this incident as an desperate attempt by the opposition to defame the party on the eve of polling. The Election Commission has been alerted to the incident and is expected to review the allegations, which will add further to an already charged electoral atmosphere.
