Bengaluru: In a strong appeal to support democratic participation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged companies in Bengaluru to grant three days of paid leave to Malayali employees so they can travel to Kerala and cast their votes in the upcoming local body elections.
Shivakumar’s office has already sent letters to IT companies, private firms, schools, colleges, hotels, commercial establishments, contractors, builders, and shop owners, requesting full cooperation. He emphasized that such a gesture would allow thousands of Malayali workers and professionals to vote without suffering wage cuts or financial stress.
Calling it a matter of democratic responsibility, Shivakumar said employer support is crucial to ensure maximum voter turnout and to strengthen Kerala’s electoral process.
Kerala will vote in two phases on December 9 and 11:
- December 9: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam
- December 11: Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, Kasaragod
The counting of votes will be held on December 13.
With this rare appeal for paid leave, the Karnataka government hopes to empower Malayalis in the state to take part in a significant democratic exercise back home.
