Cash-for-votes top developments: Tawde denies allegations, Raut says ‘BJP’s plan ends’ | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: A dramatic scene unfolded in Nalasopara Assembly constituency in Palghar on Tuesday when laborers from Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) caused a commotion outside a hotel where National General Secretary of the BJP Vinod Tawde held a meeting. The workers, led by BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur, accused the BJP of handing out money.
Responding to the allegations, Tawde firmly denied the claims and emphasized 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 of objections. Appa Thakur and Kshitij misunderstood and thought we were handing out money,” Tawde said.
Calling for an impartial investigation, he added: “Let the Election Commission and the police investigate, and let them get CCTV footage. I have been in the party for forty years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, the entire party knows me. the election commission must conduct a thorough investigation.”

Accusations and reactions
Speaking to reporters, Thakur alleged that Tawde came to Virar with Rs 5 crore to influence voters. “Some BJP leaders told 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 wouldn’t 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 alleged.
The BVA lawmaker claimed that the hotel where Tawde was staying had shut down the CCTV recording. “The hotel management seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They only activated their CCTV after we requested it. Tawde distributed money to manipulate voters,” he said.
An alleged video of the altercation between Tawde and BVA leaders has surfaced on social media, fueling the controversy.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also joined in and said, “BJP’s plan has come to an end. Thakur has done what the Election Commission should have done. EC officials search our bags and examine us, but these individuals from the BJP have nothing to do with it. checks.”
BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar refuted the allegations and dismissed them as a ‘publicity stunt’. He said, “The MVA has already lost the game. They are destined for defeat in these elections and that is why they are leveling such absurd allegations against us. What Thakur is doing is nothing more than a publicity stunt.”
High-stakes elections
The incident comes as Maharashtra enters the final phase of the high-stakes Assembly elections. With the campaign wrapping 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 The BJP-led Mahayuti Alliance And Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) is involved in a fierce battle. The elections were marked by shifting alliances, caste dynamics and emotional appeals, making it a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.