Senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP, accusing them of using money power in the Maharashtra elections. Their remarks followed the circulation of a video in which BJP leader Vinod Tawde is allegedly seen distributing money to voters in Palghar on the eve of the polls.
Kharge called out Modi, accusing him of trying to secure Maharashtra’s future with “money power” and “muscle power.” He pointed to the ongoing controversy surrounding a deadly attack on former Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, while also highlighting the video showing Tawde with Rs 5 crore in cash. “Modi Ji wants to make Maharashtra ‘safe’ with ‘money power’ and ‘muscle power’!” Kharge wrote on social media. “On one hand, there is a deadly attack on the former Home Minister of the state, on the other hand, a senior BJP leader is caught red-handed with Rs 5 crore in cash,” Kharge added, demanding immediate action from the Election Commission.
Rahul Gandhi shared a video on X, posted by Congress, which allegedly depicted money being distributed to voters in Palghar. The Congress leaders urged the Election Commission to take swift action against the BJP and its leaders for violating election rules. They also hinted that voters would respond to these alleged corrupt practices by casting their ballots against the BJP.
The Congress has long accused the BJP of resorting to unethical methods, including the use of money and muscle power, to influence elections. With this latest controversy, the party is pushing for an investigation into the claims and urging the Election Commission to uphold fair election practices. The political battle between the Congress and BJP in Maharashtra is intensifying, with both parties gearing up for the polls.
