The Election Commission has filed an FIR against BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde and BJP candidate Rajan Naik amid allegations of cash distribution to voters in Palghar district.
Bahujan Vikas Aghadi leader Hitendra Thakur on Tuesday, the eve of the Maharashtra assembly elections, alleged that Vinod Tawde distributed money to voters in Virar. Thakur alleged that Vinod Tawde was distributing Rs 5 crore to BJP workers in the meeting.
Officials confirmed that procedural formalities related to the case are currently underway.
Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar (MBVV) Police Commissioner, Madhukar Pandey, confirmed to ABP News that an FIR has been registered against Tawde and others at the Tulinj Police Station in connection with incidents linked to the hotel where the alleged cash distribution took place.
The Election Commission has seized over Rs 9 lakh in cash and several documents from the scene.
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The BJP has, however, rubbished the allegations, saying Thakur's claim was nothing more than a publicity stunt and the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) was making these allegations as it is headed for defeat. Tawde said he was in Nalasopara to provide guidance regarding election procedures and challenged the opposition parties to verify his activities.
A video of a face-off between Tawde and BVA leaders and workers has surfaced on social media. Polls for the 288-member state assembly will be held on November 20, and the votes will be counted on November 23.
BVA leader Hitendra Thakur accusing the BJP of distributing money said, "The election commissioner here has recovered a bag filled with money and diaries. There is a list of names mentioning how much money has been given to whom. A BJP leader told me that Rs 5 crores have been brought. Collector has told me that I am not even allowed to hold a press conference. There is a lot of pressure on me."