Hyderabad farmhouses turn back guests on voting day; tour operators reward responsible citizens

Hyderabad: With the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 13, which falls on a Monday, many are considering it as an opportunity for a ‘long weekend’. However, despite this, Hyderabad farmhouse owners have opted to refrain from accepting bookings during the polling weekend, demonstrating a commitment to civic duty.

In a statement, Asaduddin Owaisi emphasised the importance of voting, stating, “All farmhouses will be shut by the government on the election in Telangana... People need to understand that it is their civic duty to cast their vote and not treat it like a long weekend for enjoyment.”

Farmhouse close gates for polling day

“This is the first time that farmhouses have been shut for elections. We may lose business but it is important that everyone go out and vote instead of leisurely chilling around,” said Santosh Kumar, a manager at the Western Farm House.

In and around the city, most of the farmhouses like Western Farm House, Shallal Farmhouse, Lake Berry Farmhouse, FK Farmhouse and other famous weekend spots are being closed for voting day on Monday.

“We can do our bit by keeping the farmhouses shut but if people want to have a holiday instead of fulfilling their civic duties, they will find some way or the other. They can go to hotels, resorts and other public spaces to enjoy their time,” said Bilal Khan, owner of SK Farms in Gandipet.

Young voters’ perspectives

While some new voters are excited to vote for the very first time, the rest can’t be bothered.

NewsMeter spoke to some registered and non-registered young voters, aged between 18 to 27, about their disinterest in voting. Many young voters cited internal migration as a leading cause, but there was a general sense of discontent about the key political parties in this year's Lok Sabha polls.

Rochana (19), who is currently studying at NIFT, said that she isn’t interested in voting because she is completely disillusioned by the system of governance.

“I’d rather spend the weekend finishing my pending assignments and having a good time with my friends. We plan to go bowling because none of us are going to vote,” she added.

On the other hand, Aashika (21) said, “We are making this voting day extremely fun for all of us. My friend’s group and I have decided to go vote together first thing in the morning and then meet for a nice lunch. We are going to make a day out of it.”

Encouraging civic duty amid weekend plans

According to Section 135 B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every Indian citizen aged 18 and above holds the right to vote.

Mandated by this act, businesses and establishments in the voting area must declare a holiday on election day, ensuring employees receive paid leave without any deduction from their salary.

This rule extends across public and private sectors, encompassing daily wage earners and casual workers, irrespective of their place of residence and employment.

Voters incentivised to vote

As the final two phases of the 2024 elections fell on Saturdays, concerns arose regarding the potential impact on voter turnout due to the allure of long weekends. To mitigate this, various initiatives have emerged to encourage citizens to prioritise their civic duty over leisure activities.

Tour operators have stepped in with special discounts and offers, aimed at incentivising voters to cast their ballots before embarking on mini-vacations. This proactive approach aims to counteract the potential dip in voter participation during the long weekend.

AIG Hospitals offers a 50% discount to voters

AIG Hospitals in Hyderabad has launched a special initiative in conjunction with the Lok Sabha elections.

On May 13, the polling day in Telangana, the hospital will extend complimentary consultations and offer a 50 per cent discount on laboratory investigations, with no price restrictions, to all voters who have exercised their democratic right. Patients need only display their inked fingers as proof of voting to avail of the offer.

Dr D Nageshwar Reddy, chairman of AIG Hospital, emphasised the significance of the collective voice in the nation and urged citizens to fulfil their civic responsibility. “The initiative is aimed to not only incentivise voter participation but also instil a sense of civic pride and duty among all citizens,” he said.

Jain community promotes voting awareness amid Akshay Tritiya celebrations

On the eve of 108 Jains concluding their year-long fasting during the Akshay Tritiya Parna Mahotsav at Kushal Dada Wadi Jain Temple, Hyderabad, the Jain community actively promoted voting awareness on May 9.

Organised under the guidance of Jain Guru Dr Samkit Muniji and two other Jain monks, the event saw participation from 700 Jains across India, including 32 from Hyderabad.

The fasting Jains, symbolically ending their asceticism with sugarcane juice, marched in a km-long procession from Saibaba Temple to Dadawadi Jain Temple. With a turnout of 4,000 attendees, the event emphasised civic engagement alongside spiritual celebrations, bridging tradition with contemporary social responsibility.

Urging responsible citizenship

Campaigns have been launched to dispel the notion of election day being a mere holiday, emphasising its significance in shaping the nation’s future.

One campaigner stressed, “Do not consider the polling day as part of a long weekend, as the election day is preceded by a Sunday and a second Saturday.”

“We aim to instil a sense of responsibility among voters, urging them to prioritise their role in the democratic process,” they added.

Additionally, there is a concerted effort to engage first-time voters and highlight the importance of their participation in this pivotal democratic exercise. The GHMC officials have ensured logistical support at polling stations, with provisions for drinking water and shaded tents, further facilitating the voting process.