Pune: Casting a vote this year, will not only strengthen the democracy, but also earn you mineral water free of cost at doorstep, for three days. Surprised? In an unique way to promote voting, a Talegaon Dhadhere based businessman Martand Bhimrao Dhamdhere has announced that if all eligible members of a family cast their votes on April 17, he will provide free mineral water to them from April 18-20. However, this offer is open only to five villages in the Shirur taluka which lies about about 40 km away from Pune. These include Talegaon, Vitthalwadi, Dhanore, Darekarwadi and some parts of Shikrapur in Shirur.
Dhamdhere has been running a mineral water plant and poultry farm for last four years in the area. Initially, he was a political party worker, however, he left politics to concentrate on his business.
Speaking to dna, Dhamdhere said, "Choosing the right candidate is quite important for the country, and it can only happen if percentage of voting increases. Voting during Lok Sabha elections in Maharashtra is poor as compared to the other states. As a result, I decided to promote voting and thus launched this scheme in the area."
According to Dhamdhere, these five villages have about 25,000 votes. "I will be more happy even 10 per cent voting increases this year in the villages. I am not promoting any political party at all. I am only urging people to come forward and vote. It does not matter which party people choose."
Dhadhere further said, "Presently, I have been supplying 25,000 litres of mineral water to villages at Re0.50 per liter. As a result, we have contacts in the villages."
What is the scheme and how it will work
The day after voting day (starting April 17), Dhadhere's employees, who already supply mineral water in five villages, will note down names of family members that have cast their votes. After that, Dhadehere will offer free mineral water to them for three days, starting On April 18 to 20.
