Mumbai: In a major development just hours before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde has been accused of distributing cash to party workers, a claim that has sparked widespread criticism against the ruling party.
The incident allegedly occurred at the Vivanta Hotel in Nalasopara East, where Tawde was reportedly caught "red-handed" by workers of Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur.
A video of the purported incident has gone viral across social media platforms and news channels, intensifying the controversy. BVA candidate Kshitij Thakur alerted police and Election Commission (EC) officials about the matter, leading to the
FIR Filed, Joint Press Conference Halted
An FIR has been registered following the incident. Initially, a joint press conference featuring Vinod Tawde, Hitendra Thakur, Kshitij Thakur, and BJP candidate Rajan Naik was planned to address the allegations.
However, EC officials halted the briefing, citing it as a violation of election protocols.
Tawde Denies Allegations
In his defense, Vinod Tawde dismissed the accusations, claiming his presence at the hotel was purely to guide BJP workers on election day preparations, including verifying EVMs and identity cards. Speaking to ANI, Tawde said, "I have been with the BJP for 40 years. Thakur and his workers misunderstood our intentions. This matter should be investigated thoroughly."
As the controversy surrounding BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde’s alleged cash distribution deepens, a surprising revelation by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) leader Hitendra Thakur has added a new layer of intrigue.
Thakur claimed that it was a senior BJP leader who tipped him off about Tawde’s activities
The statement has sparked widespread speculation about internal rifts within the BJP, with discussions intensifying over the identity of the senior leader who allegedly exposed Tawde.
Opposition Reacts Sharply
The incident has drawn sharp reactions from opposition leaders. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut took to X (formerly Twitter), stating,
"BJP's game Khallas! Thakur did what the Election Commission should have. EC checks our bags but ignores BJP's actions!"
The video of BJP General Secretary Vinod Tawde distributing money has gone viral. The EC must take decisive action to maintain faith in democracy. Tawde should be arrested.Nana Patole - Congress leade
BVA leader We found cash and diaries. Investigations are ongoing, alleged that Tawde carried ₹5 crore into the hotel and questioned the integrity of the hotel administration, citing the suspicious shutdown of CCTV cameras during the inciden
A senior BJP leader informed me that Tawde would be distributing money. Acting on this information, our workers went to the hotel and caught him in the act.Tawde called me 25 times from the hotel, pleading for forgiveness and asking to be let go. He admitted his mistake, but I refusedHitendra Thakur - BVA leader
Phadnavis Remains Silent
Despite the escalating drama, senior Maharashtra BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis has not issued any statement regarding the incident or the allegations of internal sabotage. Observers note that Fadnavis’s silence is unusual, given his role as a prominent face of the party in the state.
Meanwhile, the BJP continues to face backlash from political opponents and voters alike, with the incident threatening to overshadow their election campaign just hours before polling begins. The Election Commission’s investigation is ongoing, and the party’s response to these new allegations will be closely watched in the coming days.