With the Maharashtra elections scheduled to begin in less than 24 hours, the cash-for-vote controversy is gaining traction again, with the allegations against the BJP's national general secretary Vinod Tawde. While the opposition alliance Maha Vikas Aghadi is attacking the BJP over the issue, the BJP has come out in defence of its leader. Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis called the allegations against Vinod Tawde "baseless".
Devendra Fadnavis said, "Vinod Tawde is our general secretary, the allegations against him are baseless. The MVA is panicking because of their impending defeat. That is why they planned this [allegation]. Vinod Tawde is not at all guilty."
Tawde has been accused of distributing Rs 5 crore to "buy" votes.
'Allegation Against Vinod Tawde A Conspiracy'
Fadnavis further said, "Vinod Tawde went there only to meet party workers. He had no money, and neither money has been found nor distributed. As per a plan, our candidate Rajan Naik and our workers were attacked. Vinod Tawde is not guilty at all, he is just being accused."
Uddhav Thackeray On Vinod Tawde
The Opposition is trying to corner the BJP to task over the allegations against Vinod Tawde. On this matter, Uddhav Thackeray said, "They will distribute money and win. Vinod Tawde is praised for bringing down and forming governments in many states. Now, it has been revealed how did it. It remains to be seen what action the Election Commission will take now. Action should be taken after seeing all the evidence. Otherwise, I have full faith that Maharashtra will take whatever action it has to take. I don't have any evidence but this could also be part of an internal feud in the BJP."
AAP On Vinod Tawde
Sharing a video of the incident, in which Vinod Tawde is being alleged to have been distributing money, AAP Maharashtra spokesperson said: "It has been the policy of the BJP to win elections by using all means. Vinod Tawde is a player in this machinery. Vinod Tawde was active during the Chandigarh mayor fraud as well."