BVA members, led by Hitendra Thakur, and Nalla Sopara MLA Kshitij Thakur, alleged that BJP’s Vinod Tawde was attempting to distribute money for votes Mumbai: Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) members, led by Hitendra Thakur, clashed with BJP representatives at Virar East after BVA activists and Nalla Sopara MLA Kshitij Thakur alleged that BJP general secretary Vinod Tawde had arrived with ₹5 crore to distribute to their candidate Rajan Naik.
The BJP leader has denied the accusations. “I had stopped on my way to discuss about polling process and code of conduct with our candidate,” Tawde said.
He went on to add: “I had a brief meeting with the candidate and was about to leave when BVA workers came. They thought I was distributing money. EC personnel came, they checked my vehicle, they did not find anything. Let there be investigation into the allegations they are making.” The confrontation unfolded at Hotel Vivanta in Virar East, where Tawde had convened a meeting with BJP’s Nalasopara constituency candidate Rajan Naik. BVA workers interrupted the meeting, claiming money was being distributed. Though Tawde’s vehicle was subsequently searched, no evidence was found. Tawde’s BJP colleagues too categorically denied the charges, suggesting that BVA is misrepresenting the incident to fabricate claims of money distribution.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut weighed in on the controversy, stating, “The job which has to be done by Election Commission was done by Thakurs.”
Vasai MLA Kshitij Thakur claims to have discovered a diary detailing transactions worth ₹15 crore, whilst his father Hitendra Thakur maintains that Tawde has telephoned him multiple times with apologies. The incident, which falls under the jurisdiction of Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar police, involves the BVA, a local political outfit established by the Thakurs, who currently hold three MLA seats and generally align with the ruling front. Hitendra Thakur, brother of convicted gangster Bhai Thakur, is contesting from Nalasopara constituency, while his son Kshitij seeks re-election from the neighbouring Vasai constituency.
Thakur said, “I was told by BJP workers that Vinod Tawde was coming with ₹5 crore. I came with my supporters. We have found a diary with nothing. The police and Election Commission must act. The CCTV network of the hotel was also shut and started much after I arrived. I feel that the hotel management is also involved and action must be taken against them.”
