MUMBAI: Facing the risk of poor voter turnout in South Mumbai, the BJP has reached out to resident groups, ALMs and housing societies to get members to rebook travel and vacation plans or reschedule plans and be in Mumbai for voting on May 20. Former BJP Corporator from Colaba Makarand Narwekar said many residents in tony areas of Colaba and Cuffe Parade have told them they are not in town and have already planned trips to international and domestic destinations for vacation around May 20.The BJP has issued an appeal to housing societies and complexes asking members to stay back in the city on May 20. Apart from issuing an appeal to housing societies, Narwekar has also written to travel agents in South Mumbai to give discounts and waivers in cancellation and rescheduling charges since many people have already booked their flights. Narwekar said that agents and airlines must help in the effort to increase voter turnout and give discounts to those who have voted and travel after May 20.
Narwekar said that based on the feedback received during campaigning in the last few weeks, he has come to know that many residents are travelling for vacation and have already made their bookings. “I would like to draw your attention to the fact that South Mumbai is infamous for low voter turnout and voter apathy. In 2019, the voter turnout for the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency was 51.58 percent, and in 2014, it was 52.48 percent. It is imperative that we strive to increase voter turnout this time,” he added.
Narwekar, in his letter to travel agents, travel companies, and tour operators, urged them to discourage people from travelling on May 20th and to offer favourable discounts to voters. “You shall offer a special post-voting holiday discount to customers with inked fingers. Also, minimal or no cancellation fees should be charged to those who want to reschedule their travel plans due to clashes with voting dates,” he added.
On Tuesday, Narwekar handed over a letter to Colaba Court housing society at Colaba Post Office on behalf of volunteers, resident associations, and citizen groups who have been working to increase voter turnout. Narwekar also handed over a letter to Tushar Travels on not charging any fees for cancellation or rescheduling vacations.
Political observers said that with May 20 being a Monday and the middle of summer vacations for kids, many residents have booked their vacation tickets. “Already voter turnout in South Mumbai is just around 51% which is lower compared to the state average of around 64%. This year with the fight between the two Sena’s, the BJP is finding it difficult to woo voters and get them to stay in the city on voting day,” said an observer.
Narwekar said that based on the feedback received during campaigning in the last few weeks, he has come to know that many residents are travelling for vacation and have already made their bookings. “I would like to draw your attention to the fact that South Mumbai is infamous for low voter turnout and voter apathy. In 2019, the voter turnout for the Mumbai South Lok Sabha constituency was 51.58 percent, and in 2014, it was 52.48 percent. It is imperative that we strive to increase voter turnout this time,” he added.
Narwekar, in his letter to travel agents, travel companies, and tour operators, urged them to discourage people from travelling on May 20th and to offer favourable discounts to voters. “You shall offer a special post-voting holiday discount to customers with inked fingers. Also, minimal or no cancellation fees should be charged to those who want to reschedule their travel plans due to clashes with voting dates,” he added.
On Tuesday, Narwekar handed over a letter to Colaba Court housing society at Colaba Post Office on behalf of volunteers, resident associations, and citizen groups who have been working to increase voter turnout. Narwekar also handed over a letter to Tushar Travels on not charging any fees for cancellation or rescheduling vacations.
Political observers said that with May 20 being a Monday and the middle of summer vacations for kids, many residents have booked their vacation tickets. “Already voter turnout in South Mumbai is just around 51% which is lower compared to the state average of around 64%. This year with the fight between the two Sena’s, the BJP is finding it difficult to woo voters and get them to stay in the city on voting day,” said an observer.