Free coffee, dosa, internet, Bengaluru encourages voters to exercise franchise

Bengaluru: Weekend and the day of voting are giving more reasons to people of Bengaluru to stay home and relax. Karnataka's capital and India's "Silicon Valley" is known for staying home on days of election. As Karnataka votes today for a new government, enticing and tempting offers are being made to encourage voters, especially young and first-time voters, to show up at polling booths and exercise their franchise.

From free dosa and coffee to discounts at restaurants and on products, are ways to lure voters.

According to NDTV report, owner of a restaurant opposite the Vidhan Sodha is offering free coffee and dosa to the first time voters. Wait but if it’s not your first time, then don't get disappointed, the eatery has a complimentary cup of coffee for you.

Owner of Hotel Nisarga Grand Pure, Krishnaraj SP, eavesdropped on a bunch of youngsters a few days ago. They were discussing the state of politics in Karnataka and the country and how they didn't feel enthusiastic about the elections.

"I heard a few youngsters who were talking how their vote won't count and wouldn't make any difference. When I tried to persuade them to exercise their right, they asked if I would give them free masala dosa and coffee for their vote. I agreed," NDTV quoted Krishnaraj saying.

Karnataka has the strongest coffee drinking culture in the country and Krishnaraj's offer has also inspired others to lure voters with the beverage and help boost the turnout.

Vasudev's Adiga, a chain of quick-service restaurants, is also offering free coffee at its 20 outlets to those who vote today. Some other restaurants are offering discounts on food bills on the voting day.

There is something beyond food. A cyber cafe in Rajajinagar is offering free internet access to everyone who votes. The cafe is also offering discount on photocopying.

These outlets have, however, clarified that they aren't supporting any particular party and just want to push youngsters to exercise their franchise.

According to reports, the officials of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) had planned to meet traders, hoteliers, mall and multiplex owners to discuss discounts ahead of the elections, but it was cancelled as the popular move, they thought, would be exploited by political parties to influence voters.

However, this is not the first time that food has found its way into election in Karnataka. Earlier, free dosas in the shape of Kannada letters and requests like 'Nanna matha nanna hakku' (my vote, my right), 'Ellaroo mathadana maadi' (please all of you vote), 'Praja prabhutva bhadrapadisi' (strengthen the democracy) were distributed among voters with an aim to spread awareness about elections.