Lucky draw for women, bicycles for girls, pilgrimage tours: Freebies distribution by candidates at its peak as PMC polls draw closer

Besides, a cultural programme featuring the Folk Prabodhan Band was organised in the area. During the event, 500 girls were given bicycles, while several women received sewing machines. Residents say that such cultural events linked to political outreach are being conducted in many parts of the city.

In Pimpri-Chinchwad, various candidates have sponsored local cricket tournaments, offering cash prizes to entice youth participation. Entertainment events, including music concerts and free cultural programmes like theatre performances, are being organised throughout different localities. In some neighborhoods, candidates have even distributed free movie tickets, particularly targeting women associated with self-help groups as part of their campaign strategies.

In Ward N. 27, one candidate organised a large-scale event titled ‘Home Minister’, where women participants were rewarded with items such as Activa scooters, washing machines, refrigerators, LED televisions, and ovens. Special ‘Home Minister Paithani’ events were also held, during which Paithani sarees were gifted to women, drawing significant interest and participation from the community.

In areas such as Suncity in Manik Baug, residents have reported the distribution of free calendars, pamphlets, and banners by various political parties. Devyani Agte, a resident of the area, said that calendars from multiple parties have been circulated extensively in recent weeks.

Shreya Waghmare, a resident of Dhayari, said that similar practices were seen during festivals, as political workers distributed items such as oil, attar, and diyas during Diwali.

Rohan Devadkar, a resident of Pimpri Chinchwad, expressed concern over the growing trend. “These programmes look attractive and entertaining, but voters should remember that civic elections are about basic services like roads, water supply, and sanitation. Freebies may grab attention for a day, but what matters is long-term development and accountability after the elections are over.”

As campaigning intensifies, the increasing presence of gifts, competitions, and large-scale programmes has once again spotlighted the rising use of freebies as a tool for voter outreach in civic body elections. NCP(SP) working president Supriya Sule said, “I have a request to the Election Commission that this freebies culture needs to be stopped, or good people will never be able to survive in politics. Voters will not get the expected representatives to represent them.”

“Everything established since the freedom struggle and within our esteemed Constitution is at risk of being undermined if the culture of freebies in elections is not halted,” she added.

Elections to the Pune Municipal Corporation, which was under the administrator rule for around four years, will be held on January 15. The results will be declared on January 16.

(Vaishnavi Gujar is an intern with The Indian Express)