Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde downplayed the alleged “cash row” issue and chose not to escalate tensions with the BJP after his party MLA Nilesh Rane accused the ally of using money power to win local polls.
While everyone was expecting fireworks as Shinde was in Malvan for the poll campaign of his party candidates, he avoided adding fuel to the fire.
While Shinde didn’t say a word about the cash-for-votes issue, he did support Rane and made a veiled attack on opponents. The deputy chief minister said, “Ilaaka kissi ka bhi ho, dhamaka toh Nilesh Rane karenge (No matter whose area it is, Nilesh Rane will be the one to make the impact).”
Last week, Rane accused the BJP of using cash to influence voters in Sindhudurg’s Malvan region, pointing to money allegedly found at a BJP worker’s home. Since then, “cash controversy” allegations have intensified ahead of the December 2 local elections in Maharashtra. The issue even highlighted tensions within the ruling Mahayuti alliance.
BJP state chief Ravindra Chavan is expected to respond to all allegations.
Rane had earlier claimed that he traced a person to a BJP worker’s house and found a bag containing Rs 20-25 lakh, suggesting more such cash might be hidden elsewhere and linking the alleged activity to Chavan’s recent visit.
The BJP tried to downplay the move. Senior BJP leader and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said, “Everyone has to follow the alliance dharma.”
Speaking during the poll campaign in Malvan, Shinde stated that the region has huge potential for tourism and development.
“We will do everything to improve the infrastructure and amenities of Malvan,” Shinde said.
In a veiled reference to his move to engineer a split in the undivided Shiv Sena, Shinde said, “I did one operation. Citizens did support the Mahayuti in getting a landslide victory. Shiv Sena bagged 57 seats. The Assembly results did exhibit that people supported the operation and steps taken.”
