With the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections approaching, disturbing allegations of cash-for-votes have surfaced, primarily targeting women in the city's economically backward zones. Sources reveal a clandestine operation where candidates are illegally distributing money to secure support, exploiting vulnerabilities in areas with dense slum populations.
Targeting the Vulnerable: Women and the Ladki Bahin Scheme
According to local insiders, women voters, particularly those excluded from or facing issues with the Ladki Bahin Yojana, have become prime targets. The scheme, launched in 2024, provides Rs 1,500 monthly assistance and is credited with boosting women's voter registration. "Names of those illegally drawing benefits under Ladki Bahin were deleted after scrutiny. Such women and those who missed out due to technicalities are now being approached," a source stated.
The inducements are not subtle. One prominent candidate in North Nagpur is allegedly offering Rs 2,500 per woman voter for their support. Rivals are countering by distributing packets containing Rs 1,500 to sway undecided voters. These transactions are conducted discreetly, often through intermediaries to avoid detection by election authorities.
Biryani, Liquor, and 'Mutton Parties': The Toolkit of Inducement
The malpractice extends beyond mere cash. Sources describe a "paisa to pahua" strategy where cash is paired with pouches of country liquor for families. In the slums of North Nagpur, which houses over 500 notified and unnotified slums, candidates are reportedly hosting nightly "mutton parties" to woo supporters.
"Candidates lure people to corner meetings with 'nasta paani'. The young crowd is drawn with biryani parties, while women are quietly given utensils and other kitchen gifts," revealed a source from a slum near Kalamna Ring Road. North and East Nagpur have emerged as hotspots due to their dense slum clusters and history of bloc voting patterns.
A Challenge for Election Machinery
These covert operations pose a significant challenge for enforcing the Election Commission's model code of conduct. Political analysts warn that with Gen Z voters and women forming a decisive bloc, such malpractices could tilt the balance in closely contested wards.
While allegations have trickled in from other zones, the scale in North and East Nagpur is concerning. Authorities have taken some action; in North Nagpur, police intercepted cash in the Jaripatka area. "Police and election machinery are working in joint flying squads and will act on specific information," assured a senior police official during a booth visit near Pachpaoli this week. However, the clandestine nature of these activities makes comprehensive enforcement a daunting task as the election date draws nearer.
