In Pune, a couple’s distribution of 5,000 kg of chicken has become a talking point, raising eyebrows amidst the upcoming Pune Municipal Corporation elections. The giveaway, orchestrated by Dhananjay and Pooja Jadhav through their ‘Dhananjay Jadhav Foundation,’ occurred on Gatari, the pre-festival day preceding the holy month of Shravan, when non-vegetarian food is widely consumed in Maharashtra. While the organizers cited community empowerment as their goal, the event’s timing has led many to view it as a strategic move to garner votes. Held in Ward No. 1, the distribution drew thousands of people to areas like Dhanori, Bhairavnagar, and Sadbanagar. Initially, registration and ID verification were required, but the crowd surged, overwhelming the system and leading to an early end to the giveaway. The initiative has sparked debate, with some labeling it as election marketing and others as a publicity stunt.
