Touted to be the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru has maintained the record of a low voter turnout. The city lies in the southern state of Karnataka, which is going to polls for the first time in the 18 Lok Sabha elections.
On April 26, in the second phase of parliamentary elections, 14 Lok Sabha seats from the state will go to polls.
Located in Karnataka state, Bengaluru is often in the news for its low voter turnout. It seems such initiatives will encourage people to cast their ballot.
In the general elections of 2019, Bangalore South constituency had recorded the lowest voting percentage in Karnataka which stood at 53.7 per cent.
Voter turnout was considerably low in Bangalore Central and Bangalore North Lok Sabha constituencies with 54.3 and 54.7 per cent, respectively, voter turnout; in comparison to the state’s total turnout at 68 per cent.
In an attempt to encourage people to vote, hotels, providers of taxi services and other firms have stepped up.
Locals who have voted if they show their inked fingers then they will be able to buy beer, burger, dosa and even get car rides at a discounted price. Free health check-ups have also, reportedly, been added to the list of benefits one can avail on exercising their adult franchise.
On Wednesday, the state’s high court allowed an association of hotels to give food for free or at discounted price as long as it did not violate election guidelines.
It has been learnt that different hotels will provide different benefits as per their decision to lure voters to cast their ballot.
By resorting to such measures, eateries and café are trying to celebrate democracy and make people understand the importance of voting.
One hopes such offers instill excitement among voters to participate in the festival of democracy.
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