The sudden downpour failed to dampen the spirit of candidates, their agents and counting officials in Perumbavoor, thanks to hot tea and lip-smacking snacks made available by Kudumbasree at a makeshift stall on the counting station premises.
The stupendous women’s enterprise had set up 14 such stalls at nine centres across Ernakulam district on May 15 and 16 when distribution and collection of voting equipment were done. “While they served freshly-made tea and snacks, meals were brought in ready-to-eat condition and served to officials. It was a huge success, with some of the stalls doing business worth Rs.1.5 lakh in a single day,” said Tani Thomas, Kudumbasree Ernakulam coordinator.
On Thursday, stalls were set up at the Boys’ Higher Secondary School, Perumbavoor, where counting for the Perumbavoor constituency was done, and at the Asram Higher Secondary School, where votes for Kunnathunad Assembly segment were counted.
The policemen and personnel of the Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deployed for poll duty, counting officials and journalists had a good time munching on the banana fry, idly and meals served at the refreshment stall set up by the Perumbavoor CDS (community development society) of Kudumbasree. A team of five Kudumbasree members managed to do business to the tune of Rs.25,000 through the day, said a member.
“We are happy to be of support to the biggest exercise in democracy. The canteens set up by us on May 16 remained open till 2 a.m.,” said Subaida Muhammad, Kudumbasree chairperson for Perumbavoor CDS.
While the rain poured through the leaked roofs of the school where counting was in progress and caused water-logging on the campus, officials were seen thronging the makeshift cafeteria for a hot cup of tea. A cause well-served, as Ms. Muhammad put it.
The enterprise had set up 14 stalls at nine centres on
May 15 and 16
