Vinod Tawde, a 61-year-old seasoned politician and BJP national general secretary, has often been a prominent but polarizing figure in Maharashtra politics. From his student leadership days to orchestrating major electoral victories for the BJP, Tawde has managed to stay relevant despite setbacks. However, his political career hit another controversy this week when allegations surfaced of him distributing cash for votes during the Maharashtra Assembly elections. The incident, involving heated accusations and political mudslinging, raises questions about both Tawde’s trajectory and the BJP’s internal dynamics.
The Controversy
The row erupted on Tuesday night in Palghar’s Virar region, where Tawde was accused of distributing cash at the Vivanta Hotel. The allegations were led by Hitendra Thakur, a six-time MLA and founder of the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA). Thakur’s party claimed that their workers had caught Tawde red-handed, and further alleged that ₹5 crore in cash was brought for vote distribution. However, local authorities reported finding only ₹9.93 lakh in the hotel rooms.
Denying the accusations, Tawde defended himself, stating, “I am not a fool to distribute money in a hotel owned by my political opponents.” He maintained that his presence at the hotel was solely for last-minute party interactions and to visit a local deity. BJP leaders, including Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, dismissed the allegations as a conspiracy by the opposition to malign the BJP amid electoral tensions.
Political Reactions and Fallout
Sanjay Raut, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, hinted at internal BJP rivalries, alleging that the party might be trying to clip Tawde’s wings. Supriya Sule of the NCP (Sharad Pawar faction) criticized the BJP, accusing it of undermining democratic processes through vote-buying. The controversy has cast a shadow on Tawde’s reputation as a loyal BJP insider, raising questions about his standing within the party.
A Career of Highs and Lows
Vinod Tawde’s political journey has been marked by sharp turns. Beginning his career as a student leader with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Tawde rose through the ranks under the mentorship of Maharashtra BJP stalwarts Gopinath Munde and Pramod Mahajan. He became the youngest Mumbai BJP president in his mid-30s, going on to serve three terms as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC).
Tawde’s influence peaked during the Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP government (2014-2019), where he held significant portfolios like School Education, Higher and Technical Education, and Minorities Welfare. However, his political fortunes began to waver when he was denied an Assembly ticket in 2019—a move widely attributed to his differences with Fadnavis.
Despite the snub, Tawde gracefully accepted his new role as BJP national secretary in 2020, focusing on national-level responsibilities. He was later elevated to the position of national general secretary in 2021, a role that has seen him deliver key victories for the BJP, including municipal polls in Chandigarh and Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Manipur.
A Return to Maharashtra?
Tawde’s frequent visits to Maharashtra in the run-up to the current Assembly elections fueled speculation about his potential comeback to state politics. As a Maratha leader from Mumbai, Tawde could play a crucial role in bridging the BJP’s strained relations with activists advocating for Maratha reservations. However, critics argue that Tawde has always been more of a backroom strategist than a mass leader—a profile that could limit his influence on the ground.
The timing of the allegations against him has also raised eyebrows. With Tawde being one of the most powerful Maharashtra leaders in Delhi, his involvement in the controversy has reignited discussions about internal BJP dynamics. The Home portfolio in Maharashtra, held by Fadnavis, adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative.
What’s Next for Tawde?
As Tawde continues to deny the allegations and call for an Election Commission probe, the incident underscores the precarious nature of his political position. While his contributions to the BJP’s electoral machinery are undeniable, controversies like this could hinder his long-term prospects. For now, Tawde remains a polarizing figure—a master strategist to some and a symbol of internal factionalism to others.
Whether this episode dents his political ascent or serves as another hurdle he overcomes, Vinod Tawde’s trajectory reflects the cutthroat nature of politics in Maharashtra and within the BJP itself. The next steps in this unfolding drama will likely determine his place in both state and national politics.
