Restaurants to remain shut today ahead of polls
Residents, on the other hand, are extremely distressed at the thought that their plans of outing will have to be cancelled.
Chennai: Poll day this year may not prove to be very friendly to housewives and others wishing to escape cooking on this Government holiday. As part of the instructions for this year’s elections, the Election Commission had demanded that the state government ensure that restaurants remain closed on Monday to make sure that people working there exercise their franchise. Though they fear a huge loss as a result, most restaurants have agreed to comply for fear of vandalism if they keep open in defiance of the orders.
“We have six branches around Chennai and all will remain shut as is required of us. Though we will incur a loss, we acknowledge the order and will follow it,” Farhad T.K., manager at Royapettah branch of Zaitoon, a high-class restaurant, told DC.
Residents, on the other hand, are extremely distressed at the thought that their plans of outing will have to be cancelled. “It is my best friend’s birthday on Monday. Her father is flying to Chennai to celebrate with her. We had planned to spend the day out with the family. However, plans had to be changed in the last minute,” said Rachel Isaac, a school student.