Shiv Sena MLA Accuses BJP of Cash Distribution Ahead of Malvan Polls
In a dramatic development that has intensified political tensions in Maharashtra, Shiv Sena legislator Nilesh Rane conducted a surprise raid at a BJP worker's residence in Malvan on Wednesday, claiming to have discovered multiple bags filled with cash intended for voter distribution. The incident occurred just days before the crucial Malvan Municipal Council elections scheduled for December 2.
The MLA from the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena faction made startling allegations that BJP workers were systematically distributing money to influence voters in the Sindhudurg district. Rane took to social media to showcase evidence of his findings, displaying one bag of cash while asserting that three to four additional bags containing money remained inside the property.
Live Social Media Broadcast Reveals Alleged Evidence
During an Instagram live session that attracted significant public attention, Nilesh Rane provided detailed accounts of his raid operation. "This is not limited to one house; there are 8 to 10 more houses involved," the MLA declared during his broadcast. "We have video evidence of their activities. This is not the way to fight elections."
Rane further claimed that before his arrival at the location, some BJP workers attempted to interfere with the cash-filled bags. He characterized this as part of a broader pattern of voter influence operations in the run-up to the December 2 municipal elections. The Shiv Sena leader has formally requested that election authorities and police officials take immediate custody of the discovered money and initiate a thorough investigation into the matter.
BJP Leadership Counters Allegations
State BJP President Ravindra Chavan swiftly dismissed the accusations as completely baseless and politically motivated. Chavan suggested that the Shiv Sena's actions stemmed from resentment over the BJP's decision to contest the Malvan elections independently rather than forming an alliance with Shinde's party.
"It is not appropriate to raid the house of these workers who ensured his victory in the Assembly polls," Chavan stated in his response. "Since the past five-six days, he has gotten to know the ground reality, and hence he is doing all these things."
The confrontation highlights the growing friction between the ruling alliance partners at the local level, despite their cooperation in state governance. Both parties are now positioned as direct competitors in the Malvan Municipal Council polls, with results set to be announced on December 3.
This incident marks another chapter in the ongoing political realignments in Maharashtra since the Shiv Sena split, with the Shinde faction aligning with the BJP while simultaneously competing against them in various local elections. The cash discovery claims have added significant volatility to an already heated electoral contest in the coastal Konkan region.
