The election atmosphere in Kalyan–Dombivli has heated up just days before the Municipal Corporation polls, following allegations of illegal cash distribution in Dombivli’s Tukaram Nagar area. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to influence voters through monetary inducements, triggering a political storm in the high-stakes civic contest.

According to the Congress leader, the alleged incident reflects a deliberate attempt to undermine the democratic process. She claimed that such practices explain why BJP leaders appear confident about securing control of the civic body even before polling begins. The allegation surfaced after a video circulated on social media showing envelopes allegedly being delivered to households along with election pamphlets.

Local candidates from rival parties further escalated the controversy by claiming that BJP workers were caught with envelopes containing cash inside a residential building in Panel No. 29. They alleged that multiple envelopes were recovered, each carrying thousands of rupees, suggesting a coordinated effort to sway voters ahead of polling day.

Panel No. 29 has emerged as one of the most closely watched wards in Dombivli, with the BJP and Shiv Sena locked in a straight contest without any local understanding. The tight race has heightened tensions, with both sides accusing each other of unethical tactics.

The BJP has strongly denied all allegations. Party leaders dismissed the claims as politically motivated and accused rival party workers of staging the incident to defame the BJP and create confusion among voters. According to the BJP, the controversy is a planned attempt to divert attention from ground-level campaigning failures.