Cash-for-votes row: FIR filed against Vinod Tawde, BJP alleges conspiracy - Top developments

NEW DELHI: An FIR was filed on Tuesday against BJP leader Vinod Tawde amid cash-for-vote charges as the Election Commission took action based on a complaint lodged by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA). The district authorities in Palghar said that a police team comprising senior officials recovered Rs 9.93 lakh cash and some incriminating documents from the hotel where some BJP activists were allegedly distributing money. Tawde, however, has denied the charges. He was backed by the BJP which called the charges baseless and termed the incident a desperate bid by MVA ahead of polling on Wednesday.

BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi said that the FIR was not related to cash-for-vote charge but was registered for MCC violations.

The Tuling police in Nalasopara East registered FIR against BJP's Tawde under sections of the Representation of People’s Act.

The action against Tawde came hours after after dramatic scene unfolded in Palghar's Nalasopara assembly constituency when workers from the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi created a commotion outside a hotel where BJP national general secretary Vinod Tawde was holding a meeting. The workers, led by BVA MLA Kshitij Thakur, accused the BJP of distributing money.

Meanwhile, Tawde cancelled a scheduled press conference in the evening after directives from the Election Commission (EC).

Responding to the allegations, Tawde firmly denied the claims, emphasising his commitment to transparency. "A meeting of MLAs from Nalasopara was underway to discuss the model code of conduct, sealing of voting machines, and handling objections. Appa Thakur and Kshitij misunderstood and thought we were distributing money," Tawde said.

He called for an impartial investigation, adding, "Let the Election Commission and Police inquire, and let them get CCTV footage. I have been in the party for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, the entire party knows me. I believe the Election Commission should conduct a thorough investigation."

Talking to reporters later, Tawde said he was in Nallasopara to provide guidance regarding election procedures and not to distribute money. He further challenged opposition members to verify his activities.

District collector and election officer Govind Bodke said the election department received complaints from BVA activists that some BJP workers were distributing cash at a hotel in Virar. Following this, the returning officer of Nalla Sopara and a police team, along with the joint police commissioner and two deputy police commissioners, searched the hotel and recovered Rs 9.93 lakh cash and some incriminating documents, the official said.

The collector, in a recorded message, confirmed that cases were registered for offences, including possession of cash, violation of the model code of conduct, and holding illegal press conferences. The police were probing into the crimes, he said, without revealing against whom these offences were registered.

Allegations and reactions

Leaders of the opposition MVA demanded a comprehensive investigation by the Election Commission, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut suggesting a conspiracy against Tawde by some BJP leaders.

Speaking to reporters, BVA MLA Thakur alleged that Tawde came to Virar with Rs 5 crore to influence voters. "Some BJP leaders informed me that BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde is coming to Virar to disburse Rs 5 crore to influence voters. I thought a national leader like him would not stoop to such a trivial task. But I saw him here. I urge the Election Commission to take action against him and the BJP. The hotel’s CCTV recording was initially deactivated, showing complicity," Thakur claimed.

The BVA legislator alleged the hotel Tawde was staying had shut CCTV recording. "The hotel administration seems to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They only activated their CCTV after we requested it. Tawde was distributing money to manipulate voters," he said.

A purported video of the altercation between Tawde and BVA leaders has surfaced on social media, fueling the controversy.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut also weighed in, saying, "The BJP's scheme has come to an end. Thakur has done what the Election Commission should have done. EC officials search our bags and scrutinise us, yet these individuals from the BJP face no such checks."

Raut further said, "No matter how much the BJP tries to hide, whatever happened in Nallasopara-Virar, it happened before the camera." He also pointed out Tawde's substantial cash reserves, alleging he has the names of 18 people who disburse money with police escorts.

He expressed concern over the implications of Tawde being caught, claiming that prominent BJP leaders, including state home minister Devendra Fadnavis, were aware of his activities.

Raut said if the Election Commission had been unbiased, its officials would have conducted raids.

BVA leader Hitendra Thakur alleged that Tawde distributed money to voters in Palghar district.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray added, "Vinod Tawde should get a PhD, he is being hailed (sarcastically) for dismantling governments in few states, and forming BJP governments in few states, what is the real reason? This is BJP's 'note jihad', it is like distributing money and winning. Now we have to see what election commission does? It should not be done away by putting a case, there should be an action."

Calling for an action by the Election Commission of India against Tawde, Thackeray further said, "Based on the evidence, action should be taken. Otherwise, Maharashtra will take action on its own."

“In one of the videos, the person prominently seen wearing saffron attire is BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde, from whom a large sum of money has reportedly been recovered,” said Congress leader Supriya Shrinate

. “He was caught in the Virar East area with a black bag containing Rs 5 crore in cash and a diary listing details of Rs 15 crore. This raises serious questions, especially ahead of the elections.”

Election Commission officials conducted a raid at the Virar hotel where Tawde was holding a meeting. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi said, “There are videos showing loads of cash, probably amounting to Rs 5 crore. A diary found at the scene names those who received the money. This is a blatant attempt to buy votes. The EC must act immediately to ensure a free and fair election.”

Chaturvedi further alleged, “Truckloads of money from Gujarat and Delhi entered Maharashtra unchecked. This raid wasn’t conducted by the EC but by the people and a rival candidate. The BJP is trying to win elections using money, undermining democratic principles.”

NCP MP Supriya Sule expressed shock. “It is shocking that a national leader of such a big party is distributing money. This is very dangerous for any democracy. If people want to get elected by distributing money, what should people like us do? Is there morality in this country or not? I publicly condemn this act, and it should be investigated,” she said.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Clyde Crasto demanded arrests. “Whenever money is recovered in Maharashtra, it often links back to the BJP. If this is proved, Vinod Tawde and his associates should be arrested. This is not just a violation of election norms but a mockery of democracy.”

Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole accused the BJP of misusing government machinery and indulging in corrupt practices, including distributing money to buy votes, fearing a defeat in the upcoming state assembly elections.

Speaking to the media, Patole criticised the BJP for using money power to manipulate the electoral process, arguing that this is an attempt to win the election through corrupt means, fearing a resounding defeat.

He said, "The Election Commission must ensure a fair and transparent election process. However, the series of events over the past month, including biased actions against opposition leaders, have raised concerns. Bags of opposition leaders have been checked under suspicious circumstances, and they've been prevented from flying in helicopters or airplanes, but no such scrutiny has been applied to the ruling party."

BJP came in support of its leader

Responding to claims that Tawde was caught with Rs 5 crore in cash at a Virar hotel, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi dismissed the charges as baseless. “Today in Maharashtra, Maha Vikas Aghadi is making a desperate attempt to influence the atmosphere by making absurd accusations,” said Trivedi.

He explained that Tawde, who oversees the party’s operations, was in the Nalasopara area meeting candidates to discuss election preparations. “He asked them to come to a hotel on the highway for a brief discussion. In the meantime, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi candidate came there and began raising concerns about this,” Trivedi added.

Trivedi emphasized that the meeting took place in a public space and urged authorities to verify the allegations using CCTV footage. “It is clear from our side that this incident happened in a hotel and not at a private location. If Rs 5 crore was carried, there must be some visual evidence of such a huge amount being transported.”

BJP leader and MLC Pravin Darekar

also dismissed the allegations as a "publicity stunt." He said, "The MVA has already lost the game. They are destined for defeat in this election, which is why they are making such absurd allegations against us. What Thakur is doing is nothing more than a publicity stunt."

State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule termed the accusations a “pre-planned conspiracy” by the opposition to tarnish the party’s image ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections.

Bawankule rejected claims that Tawde was caught with Rs 5 crore in cash at a Virar hotel, saying, “A film was made, and media management was also done. Accusations were made that Tawde came to distribute crores. Vinod Tawde is the party’s national general secretary. One needs to think if a man in such a position will go around distributing money.”

He further alleged that the opposition, aware of its imminent defeat, orchestrated the incident to defame the BJP and its leadership.

High-stakes election

The incident comes as Maharashtra heads into the final stages of its high-stakes Assembly elections. With campaigning wrapped up on Monday, voting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, followed by counting on November 23.

The polls will decide the fate of the 288-seat Maharashtra Assembly, with the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance and Congress-led Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) locked in a fierce battle. The election has been marked by shifting alliances, caste dynamics, and emotional appeals, making it a pivotal moment in the state’s political landscape.