Pune’s municipal election campaign has taken an unusual turn as candidates make eye-catching promises to attract voters. With polling set for January 15, the campaign has picked up pace across the city.
Candidates Roll Out Costly Offers
In most elections, candidates focus on development and civic issues. This time, however, several contenders have announced expensive gifts and freebies. These promises have sparked sharp debate among voters and political observers.
National media reports say some candidates are offering silk sarees, bicycles, bikes, luxury cars, and gold ornaments. A few have even promised foreign trips to voters. In several wards, candidates have also announced lucky draws linked to voting.
Gold, Land, and Foreign Trips in Focus
In one ward, a senior leader has reportedly promised small plots of land to women voters through a lucky draw. Elsewhere, a candidate has offered a Thailand trip for newly married couples. In some areas, candidates have promised bikes, SUVs, and gold jewellery under similar schemes.
Reports also suggest that candidates have distributed sewing machines and bicycles in certain wards. These developments have made the Pune municipal elections a major talking point well before polling day.
Rising Concerns Over Spending
Meanwhile, concerns over election ethics have grown. Many citizens and activists have urged authorities to monitor campaign spending closely. They have also demanded strict action against candidates who violate election norms.
As the January 15 election date draws closer, attention has shifted to the role of election officials. Voters now wait to see whether authorities will step in to curb such practices.
For now, Pune’s civic polls continue to draw attention, not for policy debates, but for the scale and nature of promises made on the campaign trail.
