"This is a lie": NCP leader Dhananjay Munde on 'cash for vote' allegation

"This is a lie. Nothing was like that; they had a meeting... The Bharatiya Janata Party has clearly stated that nothing like this had happened," Munde told ANI.

Earlier, the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi (BVA) accused BJP leader Vinod Tawde of distributing money at a hotel in Nalasopara ahead of the Maharashtra assembly polls, triggering a political storm. Congress demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the allegations.

In response, Vinod Tawde denied the accusations, calling for an impartial investigation.

"I was at the hotel for a meeting to brief MLAs on the Model Code of Conduct and voting protocols. The BVA workers misunderstood and claimed money was being distributed. Let the Election Commission and police investigate and examine the CCTV footage. I have nothing to hide," Tawde said.

As the polling in 288 assembly seats in Maharashtra, Dhananjay Munde exuded confidence in Mahayuti winning state assembly polls.

"Voting holds great importance in democracy. 'Matdaan' is greater than any other 'daan.' I urge all voters to come and vote. It is our duty, and we have to carry out that duty by voting on the day of elections... After the counting of votes on 23rd Nov, you will get to know that Mahayuti is clearly coming back to power in Maharashtra..." the NCP leader said.

When asked about the Chief Ministerial face of the Mahayuti alliance, he asserted that the leaders of the alliance will take a decision after the results.

"Amit Shah, Devendra Fadnavis, and Eknath Shinde said that after the results come, when Mahayuti comes to power, Mahayuti leaders will decide who will be the CM and Deputy CM," Munde stated.

Notably, voting began at 7 am on Wednesday for the single phase of the Maharashtra assembly elections and will conclude at 6 pm. Polling is taking place across 288 assembly constituencies. (ANI)