Many go hungry as shops keep their shutters down

This year's Election Day was signified by downed shutters as much as large crowds gathering in schools and colleges to cast their vote. The district administration's decision to ensure all shops and establishments, including eateries and food joints, stay shut left many hungry and frustrated. However, establishments admitted that the move motivated their employees to travel to their homes to vote.

With a few corporates, journalists and factories procuring permission to work for at least half a day, many people received a rude shock when they realized how hard it was to grab a samosa or even a cup of curd rice.

35-year-old Shanthi Palanisami, who was called in for work at her factory in Kavundampalayam, spoke of how she had to struggle due to lack of food options. "I could not find any of the bakeries or mess open," she said. "I soon realized that I would have to reach home to Papanaickenpalayam and cook for myself," she added.

The rule also affected pilgrims, tourists and travelers travelling to Kerala, through Anaikatti or Ooty, Coimbatore. Many were seen struggling to find a place to find food. "We travelled almost 10km on the Anaikatty Road and even into Kerala's side of the border looking for food, but were left starving," complained an exhausted tourist, Sarita Reddy.