On the lines of ‘Pappu mat baniye, vote dijiye’ (cast your vote) campaign, the chief electoral office of Delhi will now rope in global food service retailer McDonald’s to encourage young voters to exercise their franchise in Lok Sabha elections on May 7.
A series of advertisements will be launched at all the outlets of the retailer by this month-end which will continue till May 7.
“We have decided to involve McDonald’s in the cause as it is popular among youngsters and a lot of people visit its outlets spread across the capital,” Delhi Chief Electoral Officer Satbir Silas Bedi said.
An agreement in this regard has already been signed between the retailer and the CEO. Authorities are on the lookout for a suitable agency to plan the ad campaign.
“They (McDonald’s) are really delighted with the idea. We hope that our idea will work and many youngsters will come and cast their votes during the Lok Sabha polls,” Bedi said, adding that “youngsters will be able to see catchy slogans and messages to encourage voting.”
The government of Delhi has recently re-launched its popular campaign ‘Pappu can’t vote’ on the theme of a song from Bollywood flick Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na to inspire the youth to cast their votes in Lok Sabha polls.
The company is also enthused at the idea and considers it as its social responsibility to make people aware and encourage to participate the democratic process.
“As a socially responsible corporate, McDonald’s India decided to partner the electoral office to support the task of building awareness amongst citizens and remind them of exercising their right to vote,” Managing Director, McDonald’s India (North and East Region), Vikram Bakshi said.
The electoral office has also involved educational institutes to encourge young voters to exercise their rights. It has also set up a call centre to answer all poll-related queries.
According to Election Commission data, there are approximately 40 lakh electors in the capital between the age group of 18-29.
McDonald’s has a total of 155 restaurants in India, including 35 in Delhi.
