For $1200, Foreign Tourists Can Go On An 'Election Tour' In India

AHMEDABAD: As the poll juggernaut rolls on, tourists from countries like the U.S. France, Nigeria and UAE have decided to witness the rough-and-tumble of polls in the world's largest democracy, especially the keen contest in the holy city of Varanasi.

 Notwithstanding the scorching Indian summer, many foreigners have registered for a $1200 six-night, seven-day election tourism package offered by a private tour operator which includes visit to public rallies, poll campaigns, meeting party leaders and Election Commission officers.

 However, the NRIs and Gujaratis settled abroad are mainly interested in the contest between BJP's PM nominee Narendra Modi and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal in Varanasi. "Despite summer, more people have committed to visit India during polls under 'Election Tourism' initiative," said 'Election Tourism India's city-based chairman Manish Sharma. People stand in line to cast their votes during the first phase of elections in Dibrugarh, in the northeastern state of Assam. AP People stand in line to cast their votes during the first phase of elections in Dibrugarh, in the northeastern state of Assam.

The concept was launched before the 2012 Gujarat Assembly elections and initially only 125 international tourists visited the state. But this time 800 tourists have so far committed to watch the election process unfolding in the largest democracy of the world, he claimed.
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