Hoteliers association opposes decision to close tourist facilities around election dates

BENGALURU: As first round of voting for the Lok Sabha elections will be held on April 26 in the state, the district authorities in some districts have ordered hotels, homestays, resorts and lodges to shut for for two days. This measure is being taken to improve voting percentage, according to officials.

For example, Hassan Deputy Commissioner C Satyabhama has issued an order to close resorts, hotels, lodges and homestays in the district from 6 pm on April 24 to 12 am  on April 26.

With a string of holidays around polling day — April 26 is a Friday, April 27 is a fourth Saturday, and April 28 is Sunday — many people may be planning to visit tourist spots over the weekend and skip voting. Hence, some deputy commissioners have taken this decision to increase voting percentage .

However, the Karnataka State Hotel Owners Association has opposed the decision. Gopal Shettar, honorary secretary of the association noted, “Hoteliers are used to facing new problems during every election. There is a ban on liquor sales during polls, now these restrictions on the hotel industry. However, liquor is available at malls. The DC has ordered hotels, resorts and homestays at tourist places to close down as there are three holidays and people will go on vacation with family skipping voting. Instead of this, the administration can think of other ways to draw voters”.

“Shutting down our businesses for two days will a lot of impact. What kind of rule is this? Officiers should think practically. Who will be responsible for the losses incurred by the hotel industry? A memorandum will be given to the Election Commission to withdraw the order. It has been decided to approach the court if the DC does not respond favourably”, he added.