The BJP general secretary in Maharashtra's Palghar, Vinod Tawde, who has been accused of distributing cash to influence voters, expressed gratitude on Wednesday that political rival Sharad Pawar, NCP(SP) chief has made no comment about the issue.
"Vinod Tawde is a good gentleman and I will not say anything unless the allegations against him are proven," Pawar said when asked his reaction on the issue.
Under attack from the opposition, which has demanded his arrest, Tawde thanked Pawar senior. "Sharad Pawar is a mature and senior leader. He knows me personally. He also knows that I cannot be involved in such matters. Therefore, I thank him," said Tawde.
The BJP leader has dismissed the allegations of distributing money in the Nalasopara-Vasai-Virar area. He said no one knew he was going to Nalasopara on Tuesday.
"No one knew that I would go to Nalasopara. When I was leaving Wada in Palghar district, I called the BJP candidate Rajan Naik and inquired about the preparations for the polling. He called me for tea so I went there. There was no conspiracy nor any personal differences. As the opposition sees defeat, they try to take advantage of this.". Police and Election Commission officials could not find any money.
Sanjay Raut is lying. I didn't even know that I was going there initially because everything was decided in just two minutes. I then went to Nalasopara. Everything is recorded from what I spoke with the party workers," clarified Tawde in his defence.
Tawde has demanded that CCTV footage should be checked and an impartial inquiry be held in this matter.
This response was given by Tawde after the police lodged three FIRs in connection with the cash for vote controversy.
The Bahujan Vikas Aghadi chief Hitendra Thakur and his son Kshitij Thakur had levelled allegations against Vinod Tawde for distribution of money saying that he was carrying Rs 5 crore. Hitendra Thakur also said that he had seen Tawde's diary with a record relating to the distribution of cash.
"During the last five years, the politics in the state has stooped to a new low. Politics is marred by the distribution of money and engineering splits in families and political parties. The voters should exercise their vote by increasing turnout to elect the right candidates," said Thakur.
Meanwhile, Tawde ruled out the opposition's allegations that it exposed the cryptocurrency scam to cover up his alleged involvement in the cash-for-vote scam. "Sudhanshu Trivedi (who is BJP MP) will not make allegations (against Supriya Sule and Nana Patole) unless he has concrete information. In my case, I have not been caught, and no cash has been seized. So there is no question of suppressing the matter," he said.
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