Maharashtra Assembly Polls 2024: Cast Your Vote & Get Discounts In Restaurants, Multiplexes

Voters in Mumbai can enjoy discounts of up to 20% at selected shops, eateries, and cinemas by showing their inked fingers. This initiative, announced by Election Commission officials, aims to boost voter participation during the Maharashtra assembly elections on November 20.

Encouraging Voter Participation

The discount scheme is part of a broader effort to encourage voting. It was developed after discussions with trade associations, cinema owners, and restaurant operators. The initiative seeks to motivate more people to vote by offering tangible incentives.

A campaign titled 'Utsav Nivadnukicha, Abhiman Maharashtracha' (Festival of Elections, Maharashtra's Pride) was launched to raise awareness about voting. The event at the Gateway of India featured Election Commission officials, Mumbai Police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation representatives, and celebrities like Varsha Usgaonkar and Ajinkya Rahane. India Post also introduced a special cancellation mark available until November 20.

Discounts Across Various Sectors

Farogh Mukadam, Mumbai's nodal election officer, credited the discount idea to Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. Gagrani met with representatives from various trade bodies on October 31. They agreed to offer discounts as an incentive for voters. "They often give discounts on other occasions," PTI quoted Mukadam as saying.

Multiplex chains such as PVR Inox and Cinepolis have committed to offering a 20% discount from November 20-22. Similarly, AHAR will provide 10-20% discounts on food for voters on November 20 and 21 upon showing their inked fingers. However, these offers are not applicable to online transactions.

Retail Sector Participation

The Maharashtra Retail Association and Reliance Retail outlets will also participate by offering discounts ranging from 10% to 15% on November 20. This follows a similar trend seen during the Lok Sabha elections when several restaurants and retail shops independently offered discounts.

This initiative reflects a collaborative effort between public officials and private businesses to enhance voter turnout in Maharashtra's upcoming assembly elections.