In the wake of a “cash for votes” controversy ahead of the assembly elections in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police raided a hotel in the Nalasopara assembly constituency on Tuesday. During the operation, cash and diaries were seized, and multiple FIRs were registered.
The Election Commission‘s flying squad participated in the raid, which was initiated following complaints that BJP leaders were allegedly distributing money at a hotel in Virar to influence voters. Workers from both the BJP and the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) were found at the hotel during the raid.
“On the upper floors, BJP members were present, while BVA workers were present on lower floors. Some amount of money and a few diaries have been recovered,” said Vasai Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone II) Pournima Chougule.
Following complaints by BVA workers, who accused BJP leaders of distributing cash in violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the police filed two FIRs. A third FIR was registered for holding a press conference during the silent period, which also contravenes the MCC.
“Three FIRs have been filed under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and also under the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The situation is under control,” DCP Chougule told ANI.
Maharashtra’s Additional Chief Election Officer Kiran Kulkarni affirmed that “everything is under control” and promised strict action against anyone found violating the MCC.
“The flying squad reviewed the premises and made some seizures. The process of registering an FIR is ongoing. Anyone violating the MCC will face legal action,” Kulkarni said.
Election Commission official Shekhar Ghadge confirmed that a political party meeting was in progress at the hotel.
“We received a complaint regarding a meeting of a political party. When our team arrived, it saw that a meeting was going on. Some cash has been seized. Police have registered two cases. This will not have any impact on the election,” Ghadge said.
However, BJP National General Secretary Vinod Tawde dismissed the allegations made by BVA leaders, asserting that the meeting was solely to discuss election protocols and complaint procedures.
“A meeting of MLAs of Nalasopara was underway. I went there to tell them about the Model Code of Conduct for the day of voting, how will voting machines be sealed and how to go about if an objection has to be made. The workers of the party (Bahujan Vikas Aghadi), Appa Thakur and Kshitij thought that we were distributing money. Let the Election Commission and police inquire, let them get CCTV footage,” Tawde said.
He expressed confidence that the investigation would vindicate him, citing his long-standing association with the BJP.
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“I have been in the party for 40 years. Appa Thakur and Kshitij know me, and the entire party knows me. Still, I believe that the Election Commission should conduct an impartial investigation,” he added.