Polls finger lickin’ good

When you vote, you not only participate in the festival of democracy but also get deals on snacks and stuff

This season, casting your vote is rewarding in more ways than you would imagine.

If you have an inked finger, many businesses are ready to offer you discounts.

At Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel, voters get to feast on a 1+1 lunch or dinner buffet. Started on April 18, the offer ends on Saturday.

“The turnout was pretty good for a luncheon. Many people love to dine with us, and we just wanted to give one more reason to vote,” says Karthik, marketing manager, Sheraton.

Another eatery offering election deals is Chetty’ Corner. You get 10 per cent off on their entire menu till Wednesday next.

Director Anil Chetty saw the elections as an opportunity to “contribute to society.”

“We wanted to encourage people to vote; it is for a social cause, not at all a promotional stunt. We carry out such deals every year for a social cause, and this year, we decided to go with elections,” he says.

Chetty says many thronged the chaat outlets on Thursday, after voting.

Hotel Nisarga Grand, Nrupatunga Road, gave away about 5,700 dosas for free to those who cast their votes. They also thanked voters with sweets.

Basil gift
Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC), described as ‘a citizen’s platform for participative democracy,’ describes the season as ‘Election Habba’.

Its pre-election activities included preparing reports on candidates, and endorsing some of them.

‘Election Habba’ culminated with distribution of tulsi saplings, a ‘thank you gift’ to those who cast their votes. Ten B.PAC volunteers gave out 500 saplings across constituencies.

Archana M V, research and program coordinator, B.Pac, says, “We mainly focused on first-time voters and senior citizens as it encourages them more.”

Fast food and free rides
Fast food chains like Dominos, McDonald’s and Subway also provided election discounts.

Hero Moto-Corp offers free two-wheeler wash and servicing at Rs 199 (usually Rs 500-600). The deal is available across India within two days of polling.

Ola gave free rides for the physically challenged in Bengaluru, Mysuru and
Mangaluru on April 18. The service is available on April 23 in Ballari, Gulbarga, Hubli-Dharwad and Belgaum, when those cities vote.