Vinod Tawde controversy: BVA Accuses BJP's Tawde of Cash Distribution in Virar, Protests Follow

In a dramatic incident at Hotel Vivanta in Virar East on Wednesday morning, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde was allegedly found with cash, sparking a heated confrontation with Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) supporters. The altercation occurred more than 17 hours after the Maharashtra Assembly election campaign had ended, with BVA activists accusing Tawde of attempting to bribe voters by distributing ₹5 crore to their candidate, Rajan Naik. BVA supporters, led by Hitendra Thakur, stormed the hotel, throwing cash at Tawde and disrupting a meeting he was having with BJP candidate Naik. The incident quickly escalated, with police arriving at the scene to escort Tawde away. Despite the claims of the BVA, which included allegations of a ₹5 crore transaction found in a diary by MLA Kshitij Thakur, no evidence of money distribution was found during a search of Tawde`s vehicle. BJP officials denied the accusations, claiming the BVA was attempting to fabricate a false narrative. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut also commented on the controversy, stating that the Election Commission should have handled the situation, not the Thakur family. The incident has drawn widespread attention, with tensions running high in the region as local police continue to monitor the situation.