In Pune, the approaching elections for the Pune Municipal Corporation have been accompanied by a unique event: a couple’s free distribution of 5,000 kg of chicken. Dhananjay and Pooja Jadhav, contesting from Ward No. 1, organized the giveaway through their ‘Dhananjay Jadhav Foundation’ on Gatari, a day observed across Maharashtra before the holy month of Shravan, when non-vegetarian food is commonly eaten. While the organizers claimed their goal was to help the community, the timing has raised suspicion among locals, who see it as a tactic to secure votes. The event, which took place in areas such as Dhanori and Bhairavnagar, attracted an overwhelming crowd. The initial registration and ID verification procedures quickly broke down due to the large turnout. The Jadhavs were eventually forced to end the event early. The initiative has sparked a city-wide discussion, with some calling it a clever election strategy and others viewing it as a popularity stunt.
