Maharashtra Election Controversy: BJP Accuses MVA Leaders of Bitcoin Scam, ED Raids Continue

In a dramatic move, hours before the assembly elections in Maharashtra, the BJP released audio clips targeting top leaders of Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Supriya Sule and Nana Patole, accusing them of involvement in the bitcoin scam. The BJP claims that the audio recordings contain conversations between Sule and Gaurav Mehta, an employee of an audit firm linked to the scam, and Patole and IPS officer Amitabh Gupta, allegedly discussing funds for election expenses. The allegations based on the testimony of former IPS officer Ravindra Patil, who claims that the scam took place in 2018 during the MVA government, have sparked considerable controversy. Deputy Prime Minister Ajit Pawar supported the BJP’s claims, while Sule and Patole vehemently denied the allegations, with Sule threatening legal action. As the Enforcement Directorate raided Mehta’s residence in connection with the alleged scam, the allegations leveled by the BJP increased tension over the elections. The controversy emerged just after BJP leaders Vinod Tawde and Rajan Naik were booked for violating the electoral code and recovering ₹9 lakh in cash. Both the BJP and MVA are concerned about how these scandals could affect voter sentiment on election day.