TNN

Ahmedabad, Apr 30: Now, this will definitely appeal to the penny-wise Amdavadis. A barber in Maninagar has offered to give a free shave to men who turn up at his shop and show that they have voted in the general elections to be held in state on Thursday.

Manoj Vaja, whose salon falls in Chief Minister Narendra Modi's Assembly constituency, has decided to offer a free shave to men who show the ink on their finger between 8 am to 5 pm. Vaja has reserved the first hour of voting that begins from 7 am to exercise his franchise.

Vaja, whose two elder brothers are also barbers, says that it is a shame that despite being economically forward, Gujarat has only 40-50 per cent voters who exercise their franchise.

"I wanted to create awareness among masses about the importance of voting and thought that the idea of offering an incentive would work well in the city," he says.

He adds that he is happy that a number of awareness campaigns have been initiated this elections to prompt the voters actively participate in the democratic process.

"If we do not vote, we do not have the right to judge leaders ruling the country. We should vote to prevent corrupt candidates from getting elected," says Vaja.

He is expecting a big rush and is prepared. "Between me and my three assistants, I think we will be able to cater to all voters who show us the dot," says Vaja.