Elections in Agra:

marcduncan11 · Apr 23rd, 2009, 22:53

Hi All,

My wife and I will be in traveling from Delhi to Agra for a one day exploration of Agra on May 7th. I recently found out that this is the polling day in Agra and I wanted to see how much of an effect you think this will have on the area? Any chance the Taj could be closed that day? That would be very sad as this is our only day in Agra.

Thanks so much for your help.

P.S. If I have posted this in the wrong place please just let me know.

edwardseco · Apr 23rd, 2009, 22:56

The bars may be closed but not the Taj..

delhiwala · Apr 24th, 2009, 01:34

Bars will be 100% closed. I think even Taj will be closed........

Somebody who is in Agra currently, may please check with the ASI office at Agra and post.........

vkochar · Apr 24th, 2009, 22:46

I don't think Taj is going to be open that day.

Even if it is, Do not bother coming to Agra. It's difficlut for a tourist as there would be no public transport & the city is almost at curfew like status during the day.

I would NOT recommend coming this day. I have been here my entire life & even I do not venture out of my house this day.

I will however find out & advise by tommorrow.

samirofdelhi · Apr 25th, 2009, 22:45

Election days in India are always very big, from what I've heard, there's a huge amount of security. In some areas, Indians are often very enthusiastic about casting their votes but in other areas, there can be problems including violence. I'd stay away from Agra on polling day and go another day - most places will probably be closed (bars definitely due to election day always being a dry day!)

Agra is likely to be a competitive area as there are candidates from the BSP, Congress, Samajwadi Party and BJP (the four main parties in Uttar Pradesh) in this constituency. In 2004, the Samajwadi Party won the seat with 38% of the vote, the BJP won 28% and the BSP won 27% so it's likely to be a competitive race!

marcduncan11 · Apr 28th, 2009, 10:32

Hi Everybody,

Thank you so much for your input. I emailed the commissioner of the ASI (organization that helps run the Taj Mahal) and he stated that it is scheduled to be open all day on May 7th. My wife and I have very little flexibility and will still need to go to Agra on May 7th even thought it is election day. Since we are only there to see the Taj and Fort (I wish we had more time) we are not very concerned with bars, restaurants, etc being closed. My only worry is this: we have an early morning flight out of Delhi the next morning. Is there anyway we could get trapped in Agra? I mean if there is violence due to the election will they stop trains, cabs, impose curfew, etc? I am just very nervous as we have one day to see this incredible building and I would hate to miss it or miss our flight the next day!

Thanks so much for all your responses.

-Marc

Amalfi · Apr 28th, 2009, 11:58

Considering it's only day available to you , Go for it.

The only violence which occurs during elections is in the Naxalite controlled areas of rural Orissa/Bihar/Jharkhand and by Ulfa in Assam. This is a miniscule part of India. Incidentally, elections in those parts are already over. Elections in an overwhelming part of India are usually peaceful and almost certainly in the towns and cities. Skirmishes between political party workers are common tho.

Any advise being given that towns and cities are under curfew during elections is plain rubbish ( only happens in the Kashmir Valley). Sure there is extra security and some restrictions on movement but it is also a public holiday and you just might face a rush at the Taj.

Railways are the only constant in Indian life and will run even if there is curfew. However, public transport might be limited as frequently (buses) these are diverted for election work but taxis and autos will surely be available.And in the worst case scenario cycle rickshaws will be available and I can bet my life on it. Cycle rickshaw from the Railway station to the Taj takes 30-40 minututes and from Taj to Agra Fort - 10-15 minutes. However, if you have a chance to pre book a tour or a taxi do so to avoid any worry you might be harbouring.

Apr 23rd, 2009, 22:53	#1
marcduncan11 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Utah, U.S.A Posts: 5	Elections in Agra: Hi All, My wife and I will be in traveling from Delhi to Agra for a one day exploration of Agra on May 7th. I recently found out that this is the polling day in Agra and I wanted to see how much of an effect you think this will have on the area? Any chance the Taj could be closed that day? That would be very sad as this is our only day in Agra. Thanks so much for your help. P.S. If I have posted this in the wrong place please just let me know.

Apr 24th, 2009, 01:34	#3
delhiwala IM what IM Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Indeyah ! Posts: 4,817	Bars will be 100% closed. I think even Taj will be closed........ Somebody who is in Agra currently, may please check with the ASI office at Agra and post......... __________________ Travel only with thy equals or thy betters; if there are none, travel alone. - The Dhammapada

Apr 24th, 2009, 22:46	#4
vkochar Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Delhi, Agra, London Posts: 113	I don't think Taj is going to be open that day. Even if it is, Do not bother coming to Agra. It's difficlut for a tourist as there would be no public transport & the city is almost at curfew like status during the day. I would NOT recommend coming this day. I have been here my entire life & even I do not venture out of my house this day. I will however find out & advise by tommorrow. __________________ Alcohol is living proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy !!!

Apr 28th, 2009, 10:32	#6
marcduncan11 Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Utah, U.S.A Posts: 5	Thanks for the help: Hi Everybody, Thank you so much for your input. I emailed the commissioner of the ASI (organization that helps run the Taj Mahal) and he stated that it is scheduled to be open all day on May 7th. My wife and I have very little flexibility and will still need to go to Agra on May 7th even thought it is election day. Since we are only there to see the Taj and Fort (I wish we had more time) we are not very concerned with bars, restaurants, etc being closed. My only worry is this: we have an early morning flight out of Delhi the next morning. Is there anyway we could get trapped in Agra? I mean if there is violence due to the election will they stop trains, cabs, impose curfew, etc? I am just very nervous as we have one day to see this incredible building and I would hate to miss it or miss our flight the next day! Thanks so much for all your responses. -Marc

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Apr 23rd, 2009, 22:56	#2
edwardseco Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Land that shakes and bakes. Posts: 5,845	The bars may be closed but not the Taj..

Apr 25th, 2009, 22:45	#5
samirofdelhi Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London Posts: 53	Election days in India are always very big, from what I've heard, there's a huge amount of security. In some areas, Indians are often very enthusiastic about casting their votes but in other areas, there can be problems including violence. I'd stay away from Agra on polling day and go another day - most places will probably be closed (bars definitely due to election day always being a dry day!) Agra is likely to be a competitive area as there are candidates from the BSP, Congress, Samajwadi Party and BJP (the four main parties in Uttar Pradesh) in this constituency. In 2004, the Samajwadi Party won the seat with 38% of the vote, the BJP won 28% and the BSP won 27% so it's likely to be a competitive race!

Apr 28th, 2009, 11:58	#7
Amalfi Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Delhi Posts: 208	Considering it's only day available to you , Go for it. The only violence which occurs during elections is in the Naxalite controlled areas of rural Orissa/Bihar/Jharkhand and by Ulfa in Assam. This is a miniscule part of India. Incidentally, elections in those parts are already over. Elections in an overwhelming part of India are usually peaceful and almost certainly in the towns and cities. Skirmishes between political party workers are common tho. Any advise being given that towns and cities are under curfew during elections is plain rubbish ( only happens in the Kashmir Valley). Sure there is extra security and some restrictions on movement but it is also a public holiday and you just might face a rush at the Taj. Railways are the only constant in Indian life and will run even if there is curfew. However, public transport might be limited as frequently (buses) these are diverted for election work but taxis and autos will surely be available.And in the worst case scenario cycle rickshaws will be available and I can bet my life on it. Cycle rickshaw from the Railway station to the Taj takes 30-40 minututes and from Taj to Agra Fort - 10-15 minutes. However, if you have a chance to pre book a tour or a taxi do so to avoid any worry you might be harbouring.

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