Pune, 10 January 2025: As Pune’s municipal corporation elections reach their final stage, the festival of Makar Sankranti has turned into an unexpected political tool. Candidates are accused of using traditional gift-giving customs to attract women voters, despite a clear ban under the Model Code of Conduct.
The election atmosphere in the city is tense and competitive. With polling day nearing and campaigning set to end on January 13, candidates are making every possible effort to reach voters. Senior political leaders are campaigning, allegations are flying, and the political temperature in the city is rising.
This year, Makar Sankranti falls on January 14, just a day before voting. Traditionally, women exchange gifts known as “vaan” during the festival, usually distributed through haldi-kumkum gatherings. However, the Election Commission has prohibited candidates from giving any gifts or holding such events during the election period to prevent voter influence.
Despite this, many candidates are allegedly bypassing the rules. While some are avoiding public events, their close aides are reportedly distributing gift items quietly in residential areas. Women are being called in groups and given gifts, while indirect promotion of specific candidates continues. These activities are happening both during the day and late at night.
Several videos of such distributions are being shared on social media. Yet, Pune Municipal Corporation’s flying squads claim they have not detected even a single violation so far. This has raised serious concerns about whether election rules are being enforced at all.
Election-related enforcement falls under the authority of ward-level Returning Officers. However, no significant action has been taken, allowing repeated violations of the Model Code of Conduct to continue unchecked.
Pune Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram has said that his role in the elections is limited. Speaking at a press conference, he stated that he acts only as a manager to run the election machinery, while all powers to take action rest with the Returning Officers.
He added that he has not received any formal complaints regarding election violations and that the administration is conducting the process in a fair manner.
Meanwhile, the visible gap between what is happening on the ground and what is being officially recorded has triggered growing public concern about the integrity of the election process in Pune.
