Nagpur: Congress legislature party member, Vijay Wadettiwar, on Monday accused BJP of offering ₹5 lakh-₹15 lakh each to Congress corporators and councillors for cross-voting in upcoming local self-govt elections (MLC), triggering a fresh political confrontation in Maharashtra.Talking to reporters here, the Bramhapuri MLA alleged large-scale financial inducements to influence the Opposition’s elected representatives and manipulate election outcomes. He claimed some corporators and councillors were already given “token amounts” of ₹5 lakh, while the rates for others had allegedly climbed as high as ₹15 lakh.“Elections are now being fought with money power. Elected representatives are being lured with cash offers. If industrialists, contractors and money decide who becomes a public representative, then how will democracy survive,” asked Wadettiwar.The former LoP further alleged the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance was attempting to destabilise Opposition parties through covert political operations. In a startling claim, he said more than 100 BJP corporators were in touch with Congress, though he added final decisions would depend on “political circumstances and party strategy”.Wadettiwar also issued a stern warning to party corporators and councillors against cross-voting. He said the party would invoke provisions of anti-defection law against any member violating the party whip during the elections. He linked the alleged political manoeuvring to broader public anger over inflation and fuel price hikes. Launching a sharp attack on the Centre, he blamed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for rising petrol and diesel prices, alleging India’s energy policy had become dependent on global geopolitical pressures.“Crude oil prices have fallen internationally, but fuel prices in India continue to rise. In last 10 days alone, fuel prices have risen by ₹7.5. This is a direct assault on the common man,” he said.Referring to India’s reduced oil purchases from Iran and Russia, Wadettiwar alleged the country was “bowing to American pressure”, forcing citizens to bear the burden of flawed economic decisions.He also accused the govt of neglecting farmers facing distress over cotton, onion and paddy prices. “Farmers are collapsing financially while the PM remains busy distributing ‘Melody’ chocolates instead of addressing inflation and farm distress,” he remarked.Wadettiwar Speaks:BJP offered ₹5 lakh each to Congress corporators & councillors for cross-votingSome of them were allegedly being offered up to ₹15 lakhWarned of strict anti-defection action against cross-voting membersOver 100 BJP corporators are in contact with CongressMahayuti constituents using money power to influence local body electionsFuel price hikes and inflation were linked to the Centre’s economic policiesFarmers were being ignored amid rising agricultural distress
