The shopkeepers association of ’56 Dukaan’ in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has launched a campaign to boost voter participation by providing complimentary breakfast and ice cream to early voters on Monday. The initiative, aimed at increasing voter turnout, witnessed long queues of voters availing themselves of breakfast offerings at the iconic 56 Dukan Market in the city.
As the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 unfolds in Madhya Pradesh, including parliamentary seats like Dewas, Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Dhar, Khargone, and Khandwa, voting commenced at 7 am and will continue until 6 pm as per the Election Commission’s schedule.
Speaking to ANI, Shyamlal Sharma, a shop owner at 56 Dukan, expressed, “Indore has always been a standout city, and we aim to shine in voting as well. By offering free breakfast from 7 to 9 AM, featuring Indore’s favorite poha and jalebi, we hope to incentivize early voting and raise awareness among citizens about the importance of voting.”
He elaborated on the success of a similar initiative during the state assembly polls, where they served 5,000-6,000 people and now aim to reach 11,000-12,000 individuals. Additionally, an ice cream vendor, Kailash Rijhwani, joined the initiative by offering free ice cream to voters, acknowledging and appreciating their dedication to democracy.
Madhya Pradesh has seen a 32.38% voter turnout by 11 am in this phase, with Dewas leading at 35.83%, followed by Ujjain, Mandsaur, Ratlam, Khargone, Dhar, Khandwa, and Indore. This unique initiative at 56 Dukan not only aims to increase voter turnout but also highlights the spirit of civic responsibility and engagement among Indore’s residents.
Madhya Pradesh’s Lok Sabha polls are taking place in four phases, with voting starting in April and concluding in May. The final phase will culminate in the counting of votes on June 4. With 29 parliamentary constituencies, Madhya Pradesh holds a significant position in the national political landscape, further underscoring the importance of such grassroots initiatives in promoting democratic participation.