The district administration in Pune has been working hard to raise awareness ahead of the polls, and businesses in Pune are offering free treats and discounts to Punekars who voted.
Shop owners and traders in Pune have decided to offer plant saplings, ice cream, and discounts on fine dining to voters. A shop owner, Shirish Bodhani, near Kamala Nehru Park, offered voters a special discount on Pot Ice Cream, where they could enjoy the ice cream, typically priced at ₹60, for just ₹30.
Bodhani explained, “The goal was to encourage voter participation and acknowledge their contribution to the democratic process. By giving them a 50 percent discount, we are fulfilling our civic duty. A creative way to strengthen democracy!”
Hotels, cafes, fine dining restaurants, bars, and bakeries are offering discounts or free items to encourage voter turnout in their respective areas.
‘Democracy Discount’
The National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) Pune Chapter has launched a special initiative called the ‘Democracy Discount’ to encourage higher voter turnout in the upcoming general elections. On November 20th and 21st, voters can enjoy a 20% discount on their total dine-in bill at participating restaurants across Pune by presenting their voter ID and an inked finger as proof of voting.
Saili Jahagirdar, the NRAI Pune Chapter Head, said, “This initiative by the NRAI is designed to inspire young urban voters to participate in the voting process and celebrate our vibrant democratic system. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all participating brands and restaurants for their enthusiastic support in encouraging young voters to take part in this unique offer. So far, around 60 restaurants in Pune have confirmed their participation in this initiative. To avail of the 20% discount, dine-in customers must show their voter ID with Pune residency and proof of voting via an inked finger.”
Rachana Agarwal, a resident of Kalyani Nagar, said, “I know a few couples who were given a sapling by the police at Wadgaon Sheri polling booth at Nagarwalla school, Kalyani Nagar. I guess it was given to the couples who came early to cast their vote. However, I did not receive it as I went late, but this encourages people to come and vote.”
List of participating restaurants in Pune offering democracy discounts:
Good News Dhaba - Creaticity
The Community Table - Hinjewadi High Street
ZJ Kitchen Bhojnalaya - Viman Nagar
Zillionth Bistro - Kothrud
Zillionth Bistro - Pashan
Vishnuji Ki Rasoi - Erandwane
Swanand Catering Services - Sinhagad Road
Kings Memories - Kothrud
Daily Bites by Nine Square - Pimple Saudagar
Nativ - Baner
Narrative - Koregaon Park Annexe
Millet Me Krazy - Kharadi
Kadamb Events & Catering - Budhwar Peth
The Rustle Nest - Baner Road
Ava.Artisan Kitchen and Bar - Baner
Baba’s - Baner
Le Artisan - Karve Nagar
Jayanti.Express - Aundh
The Sassy Spoon - Koregaon Park
Elephant & Co - Kalyani Nagar
Elephant & Co - Baner
Gather - SB Road
Dossai Flavours of South - Baner
Heads Up - Rooftop Bar - Sinhagad Road
Game On - Bar & Restaurant - Elpro City Square Mall Chinchwad
Effingut - Koregaon Park, Camp, Balewadi High Street, Wanowrie, Kothrud & Nanded City
Malaka Spice - Koregaon Park, Kharadi & Pimple Saudagar
One China - Tingre Nagar & Pimple Saudagar
SOCIAL - Viman Nagar, FC Road, Koregaon Park, The Mills
Switch Food Experiences - Kalyani Nagar
Filament - Baner
Filament - Wakad
Urbo - Balewadi High Street
Circuit House - Balewadi
Sante Spa Cuisine - Baner
SWIG - Koregaon Park, Senapati Bapat Road & Balewadi High Street
Prems - Koregaon Park & Baner
Soy Como Soy - Kalyani Nagar
Weidliwale - Viman Nagar, NIBM & Baner
Weidliwale Barroom - Balewadi High Street
Koregaon Park Chandrama Restro and Bar
Sante Spa Cuisine - Koregaon Park
Burger Craft - Aundh, Viman Nagar & NIBM
Hotel Trupti - Khed Shivapur, Pune Bangalore Highway
Kolhapuri Pahunchar - Chinchwad
Zyzzyva - Magarpatta
Joey's Bistro & Bar - Baner
The Chimbori Seafood Kitchen - Balewadi High Street
Tiger Naan - Koregaon Park
Pimlico - NIBM, Koregaon Park & Kothrud
The Camden Lane - Koregaon Park
Borudes Gavran Swad - Kothrud
Cafehouse Reeka - Kothrud
Crust of Culture - Balewadi
Hotel Raayba - Sangli
Hotel Pakwan - Sangli
Loco Otto - Aundh
Le Plaisir - Prabhat Road
Iya's Korean Kitchen - Pashan
Crust of Culture - Balewadi
Hoomans - Baner
