Shiv Sena UBT President Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday speculated that the cash-for-votes controversy involving BJP leader Vinod Tawde might be linked to a power struggle within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Thackeray suggested that the issue could be a part of the party’s internal gang war and raised suspicions that someone within the BJP might have tipped off opposition parties about the alleged misconduct.
Speaking to reporters just a day before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, Thackeray stated, “Based on the evidence, action should be taken. Otherwise, Maharashtra will take action on its own. This could be due to a gang war between them. It is possible that someone from within the BJP has tipped off,” he said.
The allegations of vote-buying emerged after workers of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) raised a commotion outside Vivanta Hotel in Virar, Palghar district, on Tuesday. The BVA claimed that the BJP was distributing money to influence voters ahead of the November 20 polls. The incident took place during a meeting organized by Vinod Tawde, BJP National General Secretary, with party workers to discuss election protocols and guidelines.
Responding to the accusations, Tawde dismissed the allegations, clarifying, “I went there to explain the Model Code of Conduct, how voting machines will be sealed, and how objections should be raised if needed. Workers from BVA, Appa Thakur, and Kshitij misunderstood the purpose of the meeting and assumed we were distributing money. Let the Election Commission and police investigate and review CCTV footage. I have been in the BJP for 40 years, and I stand for an impartial inquiry.”
The incident has sparked a political storm in Maharashtra, with opposition parties seizing on the controversy to accuse the BJP of engaging in unethical practices ahead of the crucial state elections. However, the BJP has countered with its own allegations. Maharashtra BJP leader Chitra Wagh accused Congress candidate Virendra Jagtap of being complicit in the violent attack on Archana Rothe, the sister of BJP MLA Pratap Adsad. Wagh alleged that Rothe was assaulted by unknown assailants with the intent to kill.
“There has been a deadly attack on Archana Rothe. We will not tolerate such incidents and will respond appropriately,” Wagh stated.
With the election scheduled for November 20 and the counting of votes slated for November 23, the cash-for-votes scandal, coupled with violent incidents, has added to the charged atmosphere leading up to the polls. The Election Commission and law enforcement authorities are under pressure to investigate the allegations thoroughly in a bid to ensure free and fair elections in the state.