Go vote and be at home

CHENNAI: Residents who planned an outing on Thursday after casting their vote should be disappointed. For the first time in the state, theatres and multiplexes will remain shut. Some other attractions will open later in the day.
Most of the getaway spots that receive a huge number of visitors on holidays, like the Government Museum at Egmore, Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur, Guindy National park, Birla Planetarium and Connemara Public Library will down their shutters.Theme parks will remain closed through the day while some malls would open in the afternoon. Citi Centre will be shut for the entire day. Ampa Skywalk will open after 2pm, while Express Avenue will open after 6pm. Satyam cinemas and PVR cinemas will be the only places where film buffs can go, as they will screen movies after polling ends at 6pm.
“It is definitely not a fun holiday,” says Ranjinin G, a homemaker. “Children at home will be restless. With maids demanding a holiday due to elections, it will be a tough day for mothers like me.” The Arignar Anna Zoological Park declared a holiday to over 200 workers for the first time, encouraging them to participate in the elections. An manager of MGM Dizzee World on ECR said the amusement park would not be open, but the nearby resort will be. Booklovers will also be disappointed as libraries including Connemara Public Library will remain closed. “Malls and popular public attractions should not be shut for the day. Employees there could take turns to vote and keep the places operational,” says Mythreyee Iyer, a college student.
Stand alone theatres such as Devi Cineplex and multiplexes such as Inox will remain closed throughout the day. “Satyam Cinemas will operate post polling. Shows after 6.50pm will be screened”, says Satyam Cinemas spokesman K Munikaniah. PVR will be operational beyond 6 pm.
Tamil Nadu Theatre Owners Association president Abirami Ramanathan says, “Until the last election, movie screening was not affected on polling day. Employees were allowed four hours break to cast their votes and come back to work. But this year we have received written orders not to screen movies across the city.” Ramanathan, however, finds a good reason: “This day must be dedicated to casting your vote.”
For some children like M Anshul, it is a godsend. “On any holiday, I would prefer my game console to a visit to the zoo. I have enough school projects to work on, but I will find time to play my favourite games on computer without being dragged out,” he says.