Mumbai: In a unique initiative to boost voter turnout, Mumbai residents casting their ballots in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections on November 20 will receive discounts of up to 20% at select shops, restaurants, and multiplexes by simply showing their inked finger, the Election Commission announced on Friday. This incentive program follows collaborative discussions with local trade, restaurant, and multiplex associations.
The campaign, Utsav Nivadnukicha, Abhiman Maharashtracha (Celebrating Elections, Pride of Maharashtra), was launched at an event at the Gateway of India, attended by representatives from the Election Commission, Mumbai Police, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, and local celebrities including actors Varsha Usgaonkar, Mohan Joshi, filmmaker Rohit Shetty, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. To commemorate the initiative, India Post also issued a special cancellation stamp, available until November 20.
The discount program, an idea proposed by Mumbai Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, who also serves as the district election officer for Mumbai, aims to make voting a more engaging experience for citizens. According to Farogh Mukadam, nodal election officer for Mumbai, the commissioner met with representatives from the Federation of Retail Traders Welfare Association, Multiplexes Association of India, Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR), and other trade groups on October 31, receiving strong support for the initiative.
Participating businesses include major multiplex chains—PVR Inox, Cinepolis, Mirage, Sterling, Mukta, MovieMax, and Movie Time—offering a 20% discount from November 20 to 22. AHAR-affiliated restaurants will provide 10-20% discounts on food for voters on November 20 and 21, though the offer excludes online bookings and purchases. Additionally, the Maharashtra Retail Association and Reliance Retail outlets will extend 10-15% discounts to voters on November 20.
The initiative follows a similar trend observed during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year when many restaurants and retailers in Mumbai voluntarily offered discounts to voters. This time, the Election Commission and local trade groups hope these incentives will significantly encourage voter participation in the Maharashtra Assembly elections.
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