The Election Commission of India (ECI) has filed an FIR against BJP general secretary and former minister Vinod Tawde following allegations of cash distribution to influence voters. The complaint was lodged by the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA), a regional political party in Palghar district. The accusations surfaced just a day before Maharashtra heads to the polls for the Assembly elections.
The controversy erupted at the Vivanta Hotel in Nalasopara, where BVA workers claimed Tawde and BJP candidate from Nalasopara, Rajan Naik, were involved in a cash-for-votes scheme. According to the BVA, Tawde was allegedly carrying ₹5 crore in his bag.
In a widely circulated video, BVA workers are seen storming the hotel during a meeting and pulling out bundles of cash from a bag. The video shows Tawde seated at a distance while BVA workers take pictures and videos, alleging the money was intended to influence voters.
Tawde has denied any wrongdoing, dismissing the allegations as a misunderstanding. He stated that the meeting at the hotel was a routine discussion with BJP workers on polling processes, including the sealing of electronic voting machines and raising objections.
“The BVA workers assumed we were distributing money, but this is far from the truth. Let the Election Commission and the police conduct a thorough inquiry and check the CCTV footage to uncover the facts,” Tawde said in his defense.
The BVA, led by Vasai MLA Hitendra Thakur, is contesting the Assembly elections independently. The party currently holds three seats in Palghar district—Vasai, Nalasopara, and Boisar. Hitendra Thakur is contesting from Vasai, his son Kshitij from Nalasopara, and sitting MLA Rajesh Patil from Boisar.
Following the allegations and video evidence, the Election Commission filed the FIR and has initiated an investigation. The Commission has assured a fair probe, including reviewing CCTV footage from the hotel to verify the claims.
The incident adds tension to the already high-stakes Maharashtra Assembly elections, with political parties leaving no stone unturned to secure their positions in the 288-member legislature.
