India has great scope for election tourism

India justifiably prides itself on its elections, the largest such democratic exercise undertaken anywhere in the world. It also has more than its share of humour and spectacle, unlike similar operations elsewhere. The upcoming Bihar assembly election promises to live up to that reputation, especially with the salty wit of former chief minister Lalu Prasad and the smiling sarcasm of incumbent CM Nitish Kumar likely to be in top form. The Greeks, who face their third trip to polling centres in eight months as they head for yet another general election later this month, have wryly turned the spotlight on their polling plight by jokingly asking foreigners to visit their country for ‘ election tourism’. That suggestion — even if tongue-in-cheek — should be internalised by the authorities for implementation here.

Arguably, the coming US presidential election also has the potential to draw tourists, thanks to the sheer diversity and loquaciousness of the main contenders, but that jamboree happens only every four years. India has the good fortune of having a few state elections every year, the general elections being the blockbuster quinquennial attraction. Indeed, the multiphase elections spread out over several weeks are ideal for tourists. So, its inclusion in the Incredible India panoply should be seriously considered.