Aspirants woo voters with perks

From free trips to cash aid and land draws, Pune candidates deploy inducements as officials warn against malpractice

- Indu Bhagat

As Pune gears up for the municipal corporation elections, candidates are coming up with creative ways to lure voters with cash and other gifts. The civic body and activists have urged citizens to exercise their franchise without falling prey to such inducements.

Candidates are allegedly offering gifts and cash ahead of the local body elections. In one instance, a free Dev Darshan tour for women has been organised by Dhanshree Dattabhau Kolhe and Dattabhau Kolhe from the Khadakwasla area.

In another case, Sachin Satpute, founder of the Sachit Satpute Foundation and a social activist from the Vadgaon Sheri-Chandan Nagar area, has introduced the Ladki Bahin scheme in his ward. Under the initiative, 2,500 women are being provided financial assistance of Rs1,000 per month. The scheme has reportedly received an overwhelming response. Satpute recently announced that registrations are nearing the target of 2,500 beneficiaries. He had inaugurated the initiative a few days ago and said the response had exceeded expectations.

In a third instance, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Shashianna Tingre, who hopes to contest the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections from Ward No. 1 (KalasDhanori), has organised a lucky draw for women. Women from his ward can participate, and 11 winners will receive 11 gunthas of land in Pune district for free.