Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Pune Elections: Freebies and Seat Disputes
As the Pune Municipal Corporation elections approach, candidates are giving away many free things to get people's attention.
In one area, a leader promised to give land to lucky women.
In another, a candidate offered free trips to religious places and gave bicycles to girls.
Some candidates even organized sports events and gave out prizes.
People are getting free movie tickets, household items, and traditional sarees.
But some residents are worried because they think these freebies distract from important issues like roads and clean water.
A political leader said this practice should stop because it might make it hard for good people to stay in politics.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena workers protested outside a leader's house because they want more seats in the election.
They think the BJP is not offering enough seats to their party.
The elections will happen on January 15, and the results will be announced the next day.
Candidates in Pune are distributing freebies like land, pilgrimage trips, bicycles, and household appliances to attract voters ahead of the PMC elections.
Shiv Sena workers protested outside Neelam Gorhe's residence over the BJP's offer of 15 seats, demanding more seats for their party.
Critics argue that these freebies distract from important civic issues like roads and sanitation.
Political leaders like Supriya Sule have called for a stop to the freebies culture, citing its potential to undermine political integrity.
The Pune Municipal Corporation elections are scheduled for January 15, with results to be announced on January 16.
- Who
- Candidates from NCP, BJP, and Shiv Sena in Pune Municipal Corporation elections
- What
- Distribution of freebies and protests over seat allocation
- When
- Ahead of the Pune Municipal Corporation elections on January 15
- Where
- Various wards in Pune, including Lohegaon-Dhanori, Bavdhan-Bhusari, and Model Colony
- Why
- To garner voter support and address political alliances
- Election Date
- January 15
- Results Announcement
- January 16
- Notable Freebies
- Land, pilgrimage trips, bicycles, sewing machines, scooters, appliances, Paithani sarees
- Criticism
- Distraction from civic issues, undermines political integrity
- Supporters
- Women, youth, self-help groups
- Critics
- Residents, political leaders like Supriya Sule
- Areas Affected
- Lohegaon-Dhanori, Bavdhan-Bhusari, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Suncity, Dhayari
- Organizations Involved
- NCP, BJP, NCP(SP)
- Seat Dispute
- Shiv Sena demands 35-55 seats, BJP offers 15
- Protest Location
- Neelam Gorhe's residence in Model Colony
Sources
Lucky draw for women, bicycles for girls, pilgrimage tours: Freebies distribution by candidates at its peak as PMC polls draw closer
Pune civic polls: Shiv Sena workers protest outside Gorhe’s home against BJP’s ‘offer’ of 15 seats
