The Election Commission of India has decreed that the Maharashtra state government ensured that, barring a few essential services, all establishments be closed down on October 13 in view of the assembly elections. The order may be for security reasons as well as to enhance voter turnout. But it has apparently not gone down too well with many of the restaurant owners and shop and mall managers in the city.
Tyrone Pinto, the manager at a games parlour in one of the most visited malls in the city, is of the opinion that the order is definitely detrimental to business. "It would take people only an hour to cast their vote. After that, they would be bored at home. Besides, Diwali is on the way, and people would definitely like to enjoy in the evening, if not at least go shopping. Therefore, it would make an infinite amount of sense to let the shops open after 5 pm, by when the casting of votes would be over," he said.
It seems now that Pinto's prayers have been answered. Speaking to sections of the media on Thursday, district collector Pravin Darade has said that he has no problem if someone decides to open their establishment after 6 pm or 6.30 pm. He said that certain cinema exhibitors have already talked to him over the matter and he had conveyed the view to them.
However, cinemas are one thing and hotels and restaurants a totally different matter. Hotelier Mohabbat Singh Tuli, who also happens to be a member of the Central India Hotel Association, explains, "Who will turn on the air conditioners, change the bedcovers and clean the rooms if I give a paid holiday to all the staff in my hotel? Besides, we have international patrons in the hotel, and they expect impeccable service. How can we disappoint them?"
Meanwhile, there are those like restaurant owner Bharatraj Singh Oberoi, who feel that the step is well thought of. "It is the election time, and it only comes once in five years. And this is the specific day with a high chance of violence. Therefore, I would gladly keep my restaurant closed for a day than risk it being smashed up by hooligans or otherwise."