In two weeks, the police in Pimpri-Chinchwad have caught two political workers distributing money among prospective voters. In the first incident at Hirabai slum in Kasarwadi, a woman was caught red-handed with Rs 13,000, which she was allegedly distributing among voters on behalf of a candidate. In the second incident in Bhosari area, a youngster was caught with Rs 16,900, again which was to be distributed among voters on behalf of a candidate.

While the Bhosari police have filed non-cognisable complaints, candidates, political workers and citizens say the practice of distributing money for votes has become more rampant since Sunday and in last two-three days before the poll, it will get only worse. As of now, the going rate per vote is pegged at Rs 2,000, which, candidates say, would go up to Rs 3,000-Rs 5,000 on the penultimate day.

Slum voters who number over 1.50 lakh across Pimpri-Chinchwad and can be ‘easily bought over’ are being wooed as has been the scenario in every election. According to Shiv Sena candidate Seema Salve, the Mahatma Phule Nagar panel, which is mainly dominated by the slum areas of Indirayani Nagar and Nashik Phata, is witnessing the ‘most vigorous’ day-and-night trading. “The going rate in our panel is Rs 1,500-2000 per voter,” she said, pointing fingers at other parties.

In Ajanthanagar slums near Thermax Chowk in Akurdi, civic activist Shridhar Chalkha said a mela-like scene has become common as hordes of political workers descending there daily. “A few slum dwellers I spoke to say they will not take anything less than Rs 2,000,” he said.

In Morwadi area, Congress candidate Babu Nair says two slums — Indiranagar and Laltopi Nagar — are being targetted by some parties. “Women are getting Rs 500 to attend one rally. My domestic help hasn’t turned up for two days, saying that she has to attend a political rally,” he said. Nair said in the slums, Rs 1,000-Rs 2,000 per vote is being offered by some contestants.

In Chinchwad-Mohannagar area, Independent corporator Maruti Bhapkar said major political parties are leaving no stone unturned to win the election. “Anything upwards of Rs 1,000 to Rs 3,000 is being offered. A family of four is making a neat sum of at least Rs 10,000,” he said.

Some candidates say high-rise building residents will be covered just before the election date. However, Congress candidate from Pimpri, Amar Mulchandani said, “In apartment buildings, the percentage of people taking money is around 20 only.”

Former mayor R S Kumar, who contesting on an NCP ticket in Pradhikaran area, said money is not changing hands in his panel, but voters are being offered in kind. “Voters are being offered gifts like sarees, taken on picnics and even residential societies are promised that their buildings would be repainted by the candidate,” said Kumar.

Fingers are being raised at the NCP, which reportedly has “cash rich” candidates. However, Mayor Yogesh Behl dismisses the allegations. “The NCP is winning, and winning by a big margin. Therefore, baseless allegations are floating around,” he said.

PCMC election officer Dr Uday Tekale said they were keeping a close watch and aware of the fact that in the last few days, money changes hands. “Our staffers are making rounds of various panels. If anybody has a complaint, they should contact our election officer Ashok Munde on his cellphone — 9922501524,” he said.