Pune, 12 January 2026: With the Pune Municipal Corporation elections approaching after a gap of nearly nine years, the city has turned into a high-stakes political battleground.
Candidates across parties are leaving no stone unturned to win over voters, and in many areas, the campaign has crossed into the territory of open inducements.
In the Lohegaon–Dhanori belt, one candidate announced a lucky draw that promises 1,100 square feet of land to 11 women voters. Elsewhere in the city, voters are being tempted with Thailand trips, SUVs, two-wheelers and gold jewellery. Some candidates have even organised contests with prizes such as gold and silver sarees or cash-rich cricket tournaments.
This growing culture of giveaways has raised serious questions about the quality of democracy. Instead of focusing on governance, candidates are trying to outbid each other with gifts. Recent elections in Maharashtra and Bihar have shown that when vulnerable voters are offered immediate benefits rather than long-term solutions, votes tend to follow.
The Maharashtra government’s Ladki Bahin Yojana reflects the same pattern. It provides cash support to women, but without parallel efforts in skill development or economic empowerment. Such schemes, critics say, only deepen dependency and encourage politicians to rely even more on freebies.
Voters accept these offers for several reasons. Many households lack stable income and take whatever financial help they can get. Women, who are among the most under-represented groups in politics, feel they are finally receiving some attention, even if it is only in the form of cash. A lack of awareness also means many do not view these gifts as bribery but as support.
However, resistance is also emerging. In Deccan, citizen groups have released their own manifesto with a clear message: no freebies, only solutions. In Balewadi, residents told candidates they would vote only if a liquor shop near their society entrance was removed.
These actions show how informed citizens can shift the focus back to real issues such as jobs, safety and infrastructure.