Congress or BJP, pubs in Mangaulru hope for peace with new government

Away from the sound and fury of the election campaign, there is little to suggest in the cool environs of the Mangaluru pub packed with young professionals that it was here that activists of Hindu right-wing organisation Sri Ram Sene allegedly attacked a group of young women in 2009 in a case of moral policing.

The pub is no longer called Amnesia - The Lounge – it has changed names about four times since, the newest being Retox Lounge Bar – but the passing years have not quite erased horrific memories of the attack which was said to have been carried out because the young women were “violating Indian traditions”.

“We hope in spite of whoever wins this election pubs will remain oases of peace and fun,” said Sai Ramesh an aspiring young businessman.


“We mostly catch up on politics through media reports. For us young professionals, what matters most in the city is an economic and social atmosphere that will open up job and business opportunities.” Ramesh expressed a view widely shared by scores of youngsters – mixed groups of young men and women – relaxing after a day’s work, listening to the music, sipping beer and happily chatting away.

“In the past many years, we have experienced no problems in going to pubs in Mangaluru,” said Kunjan, a young woman professional. “At the same time, we realise that unlike in Bengaluru, a city which has for long been used to the tradition of pubs and nightlife, here we have to be a bit careful. So, once we are out of pubs, we don’t spend much time on the streets late night and we drive straight home.”

The sentiment is much the same among the patrons of The Liquid Lounge next door as well as those who work in these pubs.

“The most important thing every political party must realise is the need to recognise and respect the aspirations of youth and their desire to lead their lives peacefully and on their terms. I hope that will remain the case here even after the election,” said George Antony, a young software engineer.