Kolkata: The business hub of Burrabazar, which is usually abuzz with commercial activities, was in election mode on Saturday.
Many of the families on their way to polling stations first made a short stop at temples. After casting their votes, it was time for a leisurely breakfast of kachori-sabzi and masala chai for many. The areas of Burrabazar, Posta, M G Road and Kalakar Street, where thousands of vehicles are usually parked made way for assistance booths of parties, flags and cut-outs of netas.
Poddars are a joint family of 11 people who live on Sir Hari Ram Goenka Street in Burrabazar. The entire family stepped out together around 10 am to cast their votes at Digambar Jain Vidyalaya. “We usually go to vote together unless somebody is travelling,” said Shashi Poddar, the 74-year-old patriarch.
Saturday morning was a bit different in this trading hub as small groups of people were seen chatting and laughing at local eateries, unlike on other days, when traders and buyers are always in a rush. Some party workers were even spotted walking up to those groups, asking if they had already voted. “Usually nobody has time in Burrabazar to stop and talk to anybody. But it is different on Election Day. Party workers almost stalk us and persuade us to vote for their candidates,” said Narayan Ostwal, a resident.
There are several families, which have now left Burrabazar for other pockets of the city. But every election, they return to Burrabazar. “We lived in Burrabazar for three generations, this is our address. Though we have relocated to Baguiati, we still return here to vote because we do not want to sever our connections with Burrabazar,” said Amit Agarwal, an insurance agent.
Many were taken aback by the transformation of Burrabazar, which had suddenly been freed of encroachments and illegally parked vehicles. “I wish Burrabazar was like this every day. The quality of life has deteriorated and many have migrated to other neighbourhoods in search of better quality of life. My only request to whoever comes to power is to ensure the area doesn’t become uninhabitable,” said Gunjan Tibrewal from Kali Krishna Tagore Street.