The educated urban voter seems to have finally shed his political lethargy to elect a stable government. Though the poll date in Delhi makes for a long weekend, not many are traveling out
The educated urban voter seems to have finally shed his political lethargy to elect a stable government. Though the poll date in Delhi makes for a long weekend, not many are traveling out
Seems, Pappu has finally decided to vote.
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Finger proud: Radio One jockey Neeta Iyer |
Even though the Delhi poll date is May 7, a Thursday, and just a day's leave from work could make a long weekend for Delhiites, young voters are not planning shorts breaks out of town.
Tour operators too said there were hardly any bookings for the next weekend, when Delhi votes in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha polls.
While many voters blamed the recession for their decision to cut back on travel expenses, others felt it was more important to vote and beat the slowdown.
"I want to vote and elect a stable government at the Centre. Only a stable government can take firm steps to beat recession. This is our duty towards the nation," said Sudip Sinha, business head, Travel House, a south-Delhi based company.
Another young voter, popular Radio One jockey Neeta Iyer, agreed. "I won't go anywhere. I have to vote. I exhort others to vote as well. It is our duty," she said.
For travel agents, though, this is not good news. Reeling from low bookings because of the recession, most tour operators were looking forward to make big money during this long weekend.
"This year, summer travel bookings have fallen by about 60 per cent as compared to last year. We were hoping for more business during long weekends, especially next week as Thursday is a holiday in most offices, but there has been no increase," said Sabeena, an official from the travel portal yatra.com.
Another travel agent from south Delhi, Sanjay Narula, said, "During this time last year, we booked vacations for 15 to 20 customers every day. This year, it is as low as five to seven clients."
However, travel operators are not making guesses about the reason for the drop in business. "Very few people are traveling for leisure this year. But we are not sure if it is because of the recession or polls," said Rakesh Lamba, president, Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India Rakesh Lamba.
As for the officials of the Delhi Electoral Office, they couldn't have been happier. "We have campaigned very hard to draw people to polling booths. I am very happy that people are promising to vote," said Satbir Silas Bedi, chief electoral officer, Delhi.
And to making the voting process more comfortable, the electoral office is planning to erect tents outside polling stations to let votes queue in shade.
