Cash-for-Votes Controversy: BJP's Vinod Tawde Serves ₹100 Crore Defamation Notices to Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

Cash-for-Votes Controversy: BJP’s Vinod Tawde Strikes Back with ₹100 Crore Defamation Notices to Kharge and Rahul Gandhi

In a dramatic twist in the ongoing political battle, BJP leader Vinod Tawde has served defamation notices worth ₹100 crore each to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi. The move comes in response to recent allegations by Congress leaders linking Tawde to the alleged "Cash-for-Votes" scandal, a claim Tawde vehemently denies.  

Tawde, a prominent figure in Maharashtra politics, has accused the Congress leaders of attempting to tarnish his reputation through baseless accusations. Speaking to the media, Tawde stated, "These allegations are not just false but are a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and defame me personally. I will not let this go unanswered."  

The controversy erupted after the Congress released documents purportedly suggesting BJP involvement in illicit vote-buying practices. Rahul Gandhi, known for his sharp critiques of the BJP, had alleged that the scandal was a "reflection of BJP's crumbling moral fabric." Similarly, Kharge accused the saffron party of undermining democratic principles for political gains.  

The BJP, however, has hit back hard. Tawde’s legal notice demands an apology and a retraction of the allegations within 15 days, failing which he has threatened to escalate the matter to the courts. "I respect the democratic process, but there is no room for lies and deceit in political discourse," Tawde asserted.  

While Congress leaders have yet to respond to the defamation notices, insiders suggest that the party is strategizing its next move, possibly seeking legal recourse to counter Tawde's claims.  

This high-stakes confrontation adds fuel to the already heated political climate ahead of upcoming state elections. Analysts believe the controversy could shape voter sentiment, with both parties likely to use it as ammunition in their campaigns.  

As the battle intensifies, all eyes will be on how this legal face-off unfolds and whether it leads to a larger debate on ethics in Indian politics.