BJP basic secretary Vinod Tawde on Tuesday rejected the cash-for-vote allegation levelled by Bahujan Vikas Aghadi chief Hitendra Thakur, saying the authorities can examine the CCTV footage of the premises to confirm the reality.
Hitendra Thakur claimed cash was being distributed by Tawde throughout a gathering with BJP’s Nalasopara constituency candidate Rajan Naik.
Tawde mentioned he was discussing the Mannequin Code of Conduct.
“A gathering of MLAs of Nalasopara was underway. (We have been discussing) the Mannequin Code of Conduct for the day of voting, how voting machines will probably be sealed, and the best way to proceed if an objection needs to be made. I went there to inform them about it. The get together employees (Bahujan Vikas Aghadi), Appa Thakur and Kshitij, thought we have been distributing cash. Let the Election Fee and the police inquire, allow them to get CCTV footage. I’ve been on the get together for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, and the complete get together is aware of me…Nonetheless, the Election Fee ought to conduct an neutral investigation,” he mentioned.
In the meantime, Thakur claimed some BJP leaders knowledgeable him that Tawde could be coming to Virar to disburse ₹5 crore to affect voters.
“Some BJP leaders knowledgeable me that BJP basic secretary Vinod Tawde is coming to Virar to disburse ₹5 crore to affect voters. I believed a nationwide chief like him wouldn’t stoop to such a trivial job. However I noticed him right here. I urge the Election Fee to take motion in opposition to him and the BJP,” he added.
Thakur claimed the resort had shut CCTV recording of the premises and was in cahoots with the BJP chief.
“The resort administration appears to be in cahoots with Tawde and the BJP. They solely activated their CCTV after we requested it. Tawde was distributing cash to control voters,” he added.
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In the meantime, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Sanjay Raut attacked the BJP over the controversy.
“The BJP’s scheme has come to an finish. Thakur has carried out what the Election Fee ought to have carried out. EC officers search our luggage and scrutinise us, but these people from the BJP face no such checks,” he added.
BJP MLC Pravin Darekar mentioned Thakur had pulled off a publicity stunt.
“The MVA has already misplaced the sport. They’re destined for defeat on this election, which is why they’re making such absurd allegations in opposition to us. What Thakur is doing is nothing greater than a publicity stunt,” he mentioned.
With inputs from ANI, PTI
