Pune: To travel or not to travel. The looming state election has made this a pressing concern among travellers this Diwali vacation. So much so that travel firms are staring at a 20-30% drop in bookings as compared to the last festive season.
"We are seeing a marked reluctance among travellers to commit to Diwali plans...
Many seem to be postponing their trips, potentially eyeing post-Nov travel instead," Rishikesh Pujari, director of Vihar Travels, said. The Election Commission of India had earlier indicated that the Maharashtra assembly election would be held after the Diwali festivities (Nov 1) and before Nov 26. The delay in the announcement of exact dates have, however, cast a shadow over the festive travel this year.
"There is hesitation among govt and bank employees, who constitute 10-15% of travel firm clientele. They may have to be present for election duties and are therefore keeping Diwali travel plans in abeyance. Diwali travel is often a 10 or more days' affair.
Many citizens, especially the seniors, are prioritizing their presence in their home constituencies to cast their votes," Pujari said. Haryana Jammu & Kashmir Haryana Alliance View i Party View Seats: 90 Results Majority: 46 BJP 48 CONG 37 INLD 2 AAP 0 OTH 3 Results : 90 / 90 BJP WON Jammu & Kashmir Alliance View i Party View Seats: 90 Results Majority: 46 JKNC 42 BJP 29 CONG 6 PDP 3 OTH 10 Results : 90 / 90 HUNG ASSEMBLY Source: PValue Bhagyashree Travels' director Sunil Gole said, "Some travellers are d.
