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:

1. Good News Dhaba - Creaticity

2. The Community Table - Hinjewadi High Street

3. ZJ Kitchen Bhojnalaya - Viman Nagar

4. Zillionth Bistro - Kothrud

5. Zillionth Bistro - Pashan

6. Vishnuji Ki Rasoi - Erandwane

7. Swanand Catering Services - Sinhagad Road

8. Kings Memories - Kothrud

9. Daily Bites by Nine Square - Pimple Saudagar

10. Nativ - Baner

11. Narrative - Koregaon Park Annexe

12. Millet Me Krazy - Kharadi

13. Kadamb Events & Catering - Budhwar Peth

14. The Rustle Nest - Baner Road

15. Ava.Artisan Kitchen and Bar - Baner

16. Baba’s - Baner

17. Le Artisan - Karve Nagar

18. Jayanti.Express - Aundh

19. The Sassy Spoon - Koregaon Park

20. Elephant & Co - Kalyani Nagar

21. Elephant & Co - Baner

22. Gather - SB Road

23. Dossai Flavours of South - Baner

24. Heads Up - Rooftop Bar - Sinhagad Road

25. Game On - Bar & Restaurant - Elpro City Square Mall Chinchwad

26. Effingut - Koregaon Park, Camp, Balewadi High Street, Wanowrie, Kothrud & Nanded City

27. Malaka Spice - Koregaon Park, Kharadi & Pimple Saudagar

28. One China - Tingre Nagar & Pimple Saudagar

29. SOCIAL - Viman Nagar, FC Road, Koregaon Park, The Mills

30. Switch Food Experiences - Kalyani Nagar

31. Filament - Baner

32. Filament - Wakad

33. Urbo - Balewadi High Street

34. Circuit House - Balewadi

35. Sante Spa Cuisine - Baner

36. SWIG - Koregaon Park, Senapati Bapat Road & Balewadi High Street

37. Prems - Koregaon Park & Baner

38. Soy Como Soy - Kalyani Nagar

39. Weidliwale - Viman Nagar, NIBM & Baner

40. Weidliwale Barroom - Balewadi High Street

41. Koregaon Park Chandrama Restro and Bar

42. Sante Spa Cuisine - Koregaon Park

43. Burger Craft - Aundh, Viman Nagar & NIBM

44. Hotel Trupti - Khed Shivapur, Pune Bangalore Highway

45. Kolhapuri Pahunchar - Chinchwad

46. Zyzzyva - Magarpatta

47. Joey's Bistro & Bar - Baner

48. The Chimbori Seafood Kitchen - Balewadi High Street

49. Tiger Naan - Koregaon Park

50. Pimlico - NIBM, Koregaon Park & Kothrud

51. The Camden Lane - Koregaon Park

52. Borudes Gavran Swad - Kothrud

53. Cafehouse Reeka - Kothrud

54. Crust of Culture - Balewadi

55. Hotel Raayba - Sangli

56. Hotel Pakwan - Sangli

57. Loco Otto - Aundh

58. Le Plaisir - Prabhat Road

59. Iya's Korean Kitchen - Pashan

60. Crust of Culture - Balewadi

61. Hoomans - Baner