Representative imageAfter lackluster polling in the first phase of the seven-phased Lok Sabha elections, institutions as well as individuals on social media are doing every bit to encourage voters to come out in huge numbers and vote for their representatives. There are concerns over low voter turnout due to soaring temperatures and heat-wave warnings in several regions. As the country votes in the second phase today, many restaurants and commercial establishments in Bengaluru, the start-up capital of India, are offering complimentary breakfasts and discounts to customers who display their inked fingers.
Nisarga Grand Hotel on Nrupathunga Road is offering free benne Khali dosa, ghee laddu, and juice today to those with inked fingers. Other Bengaluru restaurants offering complimentary items to voters on polling day include Malgudi Mylari Mane (free Mylari dosa and filter coffee), Cafe Udupi Ruchi (free mocktail), Iyengar’s Oven Fresh Bakery (10 percent discount), Kamat Hosaruchi in Orion Mall and Lulu Mall (10 percent discount), moneycontrol reported.
SP Krishnaraj, owner of Nisarga Grand Hotel, told the news platform, “We started the concept of offering free food to those who cast their votes during the 2018 assembly polls. A group of youngsters who visited the restaurant were hesitant to cast their votes. I tried to convince them, and they asked if they would receive free dosa if they cast their vote. I agreed. Then they said they would bring their friends. I assured them that I would provide complimentary food to everyone who voted. It’s our democratic right and a celebration of democracy.”
He added, “Bengaluru’s voting percentage is lower compared to other places. In North Karnataka, despite the soaring heat, people cast their votes, but people in Bengaluru are not enthusiastic about voting, so we want to encourage them. We will not ask for any identity card or whom they voted for. All they need to show is the inked finger as proof of casting their vote.”
Krishnaraj said they served complimentary food to 5,100 people during the 2023 assembly polls, and they expect 6,000 to 6,500 people this time.
The Karnataka High Court on April 23 allowed the Bruhat Bangalore Hotels Association (BBHA) members to serve complimentary food to voters who show proof of voting on April 26. PC Rao, president of BBHA, said, “During 2023 assembly polls, we had to approach the high court after the Bengaluru district election office refused permission. Following a midnight hearing, the high court ruled in our favour. Similarly, this time, permission was denied again, so we had to approach the court and obtain a favorable order.”
He clarified that they are not aligned with any political party. “We aim to boost the polling percentage. Bengaluru has more than 1 crore voters, yet many young, educated voters are apathetic. We’re making efforts to increase voter turnout, and more restaurants will join in offering complimentary food or discounts to those who cast their votes.”
Meanwhile, Rapido, which has partnered with the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), is offering free rides to differently abled and elderly voters in Bengaluru.
“On election day, voters can avail free rides on the Rapido app using the code ‘VOTENOW’ and exercise their democratic right. The initiative aims to facilitate residents’ voting rights and ensure a more inclusive electoral process. This concerted effort aligns with Rapido’s nationwide campaign, deploying over 10 lakh captains across more than 100 cities to provide free rides on election day. With the support of the ECI, Rapido will be offering free bike taxi rides to voters in Karnataka across the cities of Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Mangaluru on election day,” according to Rapido statement.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has extended its services for the elections. The last train services from all its four terminal stations viz. Nagasandra, Silk Institute, Challaghatta, Whitefield (Kadugodi) will run till 11:55 pm. The last train from Nadaprabhu Kempegowda Station Majestic towards all four directions will leave at 12:35 am on April 27, the statement adds.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Bengaluru witnessed a turnout of 54.1 percent, lower than the 56 percent recorded in 2014.
The elections for 28 Lok Sabha seats in Karnataka are being held in two phases, with South Karnataka voting on April 26 and North Karnataka on May 7. Results will be announced on June 4.