As Bengaluru witnessed the Lok Sabha elections, a wave of incentives from eateries and businesses swept across the city, enticing voters with freebies and discounts in exchange for exercising their democratic right. One notable hotspot, Nisarga Grand, drew long queues as people eagerly lined up for complimentary butter dosas, laddus, and fruit juices after casting their votes.
Nisarga Grand’s tradition of rewarding voters with free dosas dates back to the 2018 assembly elections, embodying a commitment to civic engagement and encouraging voter participation. This initiative has not only become a hallmark of the restaurant but has also spurred similar offers from various other eateries in Bengaluru. Mr. Philly’s burger outlet, for instance, is offering a substantial 30% discount to early bird customers displaying their inked fingers.
The enthusiasm for voter incentives extends beyond the culinary realm. Wonderla Holidays is extending a generous 15% discount on tickets to voters, while Deck of Brews is treating its initial guests post-polling with complimentary beers. The Bruhat Bangalore Hotels’ Association, sanctioned by the Karnataka High Court, is also participating by offering free or discounted meals to voters.
Moreover, technology and travel sectors have joined in, with Air India Express providing a 19% discount on flights to first-time voters aged 18 to 22. BluSmart, a mobility aggregator, is facilitating discounted rides within a 30 km radius of polling stations in Bengaluru and Delhi NCR, further incentivizing voter turnout.
The proactive measures taken by these businesses and organizations have contributed to a notable voter turnout in Karnataka, with Dakshina Kannada district leading with 30.98% turnout early in the day. Despite challenges, such as lower turnout in areas like Bangalore Central, these initiatives showcase a collaborative effort to promote democratic engagement and civic responsibility among citizens.
Sources By Agencies