On the eve of polling, the businesses of the city turbocharged the Election Commission’s campaign to encourage voting. Hotels and multiplexes have announced on Sunday rebate for young patrons who can flash their inked fingers.
Cinepolis said that those aged between 18 and 28 will get 25 per cent concession on the tickets on Monday and Tuesday, provided you produce the age proof. Cinepolis Unit Head Keerthan Shetty says this is aimed at encouraging the youth to exercise their franchise.
Bharath Big Cinemas also announced discount of Rs. 20 to those aged between 18 to 30 for the two days. “Customers must show the ink mark on their fingers and submit a photocopy of their Voter’s ID while purchasing the tickets,” a statement said.
President of Hotel Owners Association Kudpi Jagadish Shenoy said in a release that member hotels would offer a discount of 5 per cent on bills in excess of Rs. 100 on Sunday in order encourage voting.
But for government employees, they will have to walk the extra mile to ensure that you cast your vote. Among them is Fedrick D’Souza, 55, whose hands are swollen as he was put on a round of dialysis on Friday. He has to proceed for polling duty as there is none to replace him.
In the corridor of Ramakrishna School — the mustering centre for Moodbidri — he said it was not easy for him to stand. But in the absence a reliever, this D group employee in the Commercial Tax Department is heading to a polling station in Moodbidri Town with his team to ensure polling goes on unhindered. He has been undergoing dialysis once in three days for over a decade. Praveen Kutina, a teacher in an aided school in Kinnigoli, had to forgo his leave he applied for his wedding on May 12. “I only have few days left…”.
