Reportedly in order to ensure a higher voter turnout for Lok Sabha polls in Karnataka, including Bengaluru which already has a poor track record, the Shivamogga district administration has adopted a novel measure. Meanwhile in an order issued by Deputy Commissioner KA Dayananda, all resorts, home stays and hotels in the tourist district have been asked not to entertain guests from constituencies which are going to polls on April 18 and 23.
Furthermore this comes in anticipation of many flocking to holiday destinations to escape the summer heat with days before and after the polling day in the first phase being holidays. As per report the two page order has asked all tour operators and resort/hotel owners to verify the address proof and voter ID cards of the guests before giving accommodation. Deputy Commissioner told the newspaper “All voters must exercise their franchise to strengthen democracy. Keeping this in mind, he had issued such an order”.
Moreover in Shivamogga, it is the district administration, in Hassan and Kodagu, hoteliers have taken the responsibility upon themselves, where hotels and resorts in Sakleshpur in Hassan and many such establishments in Kodagu are refusing to take bookings for April 18. When speaking to one such resort owner said “This is our bit to ensure the citizens take part in the elections. For the people who have done the advance booking, we are requesting them to reschedule their plans”.
