A routine nomination exercise for the Akola Municipal Corporation elections in Maharashtra turned into a spectacle when a candidate arrived with his Rs 5,000 security deposit, paid entirely in coins and worn-out
currency notes.
The incident took place in Zone 5, Ward 15, where Loktantrik Janadhar Party candidate Laxmikant Agrawal filed his nomination papers. Instead of producing neatly stacked currency, Agrawal placed bundles of Rs 5 and Rs 10 coins along with small-denomination notes of Rs 10, Rs 20, Rs 50 and Rs 500 on the officials’ table.
Stunned election staff were left painstakingly counting the pile, even as the clinking of coins drew curious onlookers and other candidates to the office. What should have been a routine formality soon became the talking point of the day.
Agrawal later said there was an emotional reason behind the unusual payment. “Every rupee was contributed by the people. This is their money. If I win, I will work honestly for their development,” he said, adding that the coins symbolised public love and support.
The incident has since gone viral on social media and triggered discussion in local political circles.
Elections to the 73-seat Akola Municipal Corporation are expected to see an intense contest this time, with parties pulling out all stops to woo voters.
