Maharashtra Assembly Elections: BJP Leader Vinod Tawde Accused of Cash Distribution in Virar; BVA Demands Investigation

A heated confrontation unfolded in Virar East, Palghar district, as Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) members, led by party chief Hitendra Thakur, clashed with BJP representatives over allegations of cash distribution. The BVA claimed that BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde arrived at a hotel in the area with ₹5 crore to distribute to their candidate, Rajan Naik, ahead of the upcoming elections.

The incident took place at Hotel Vivanta, where Tawde had gathered with Naik and other party workers to discuss polling strategies. According to BVA members, they intercepted the meeting and accused Tawde of handing out cash to influence voters. BVA workers, led by MLA Kshitij Thakur, raised slogans and claimed to have found envelopes filled with money and a diary detailing financial transactions.

Tawde Denies Allegations, Demands Investigation

BJP leader Vinod Tawde denied the allegations, stating that he had merely stopped at the hotel for a routine meeting with his candidate, Rajan Naik. "I was there to discuss the polling process and the code of conduct," Tawde said, explaining that he had a brief meeting and was about to leave when BVA workers arrived. "They thought I was distributing money. The Election Commission (EC) personnel arrived, searched my vehicle, and found nothing. Let the investigation proceed," he added.

BJP leaders, including Pravin Darekar, also rejected the accusations, calling them politically motivated. "This claim that Tawde was distributing money is laughable. BVA seems to be creating a narrative because they fear losing the elections,” said Darekar.

Accusations and Counterclaims Intensify

In a dramatic turn of events, Kshitij Thakur, the BVA's MLA from Nallasopara, claimed to have discovered a diary containing details of ₹15 crore in cash transactions. Hitendra Thakur, BVA’s president, further alleged that Tawde had telephoned him multiple times to apologize. The Thakurs demanded swift action from the police and the Election Commission, alleging that the hotel's CCTV cameras had been tampered with to conceal the alleged money distribution.

"I was informed by BJP workers that Tawde was bringing ₹5 crore. We arrived at the hotel and found nothing. However, the hotel’s CCTV system was shut off and started only after my arrival. The management must be investigated,” Thakur said.

Opposition Leaders Weigh In

The incident drew swift reactions from the Opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggested that the situation was part of a wider conspiracy. "The job the Election Commission was supposed to do was done by the Thakurs. It seems BJP leaders leaked this information about Tawde," Raut said. He further added, "Devendra Fadnavis must answer why Tawde was targeted."

Congress also joined the chorus, accusing the BJP of trying to influence the election with "money power." Sharing a video of the confrontation, the Congress demanded the Election Commission take strict action. "Even top leaders are involved. The EC must take note of this and act accordingly," the Congress posted on X.

BJP Stands Firm, Demands an Impartial Probe

Despite the growing accusations, BJP leaders stood firm in their defense. Tawde rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing. "I have known Hitendra and Kshitij Thakur for years. They mistakenly thought I was involved in money distribution, but I am confident an impartial investigation will clear my name," Tawde said.

The controversy escalated as police forces were deployed to escort Tawde from the hotel, where he remained surrounded by protesting BVA workers. Authorities also began searching the hotel and Tawde's vehicles to verify the claims of cash distribution.

Election Commission Takes Action
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The Palghar district collector, Govind Bodke, announced that an FIR would be filed against Tawde for entering Virar 48 hours before the election, as he is not a registered voter in the area. "The police and Election Commission are investigating the allegations. Tawde has been asked to leave Vasai-Virar," Bodke said.

Kiran Kulkarni, the additional chief electoral officer of Maharashtra, confirmed that the Election Commission had received the complaint. "We are taking necessary action, and the district collector and police commissioner are overseeing the investigation," Kulkarni stated.

The incident comes hours before the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The state has witnessed a fiercely contested political landscape, with the ruling BJP alliance facing off against the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), a coalition of Shiv Sena (UBT), Congress, and NCP. Results of the Maharashtra assembly polls will be tallied on November 23.