Caterers conducted brisk business as volunteers preferred to remain out instead of sweating inside the counting centres.

Swad Caterers were catering for more than 3,000 people and had come well prepared for this. More than 30 gas cylinders were brought in to prepare delicious aloo mutter and vegetable pulao for the people. But the cold shrikhand turned out to be the hot favourite, with many rushing for their share to the long tables outside the counting centres at Shivajinagar godown where sorting of the ballot papers was in full swing in the afternoon.

Nityanand Dosas nearby, however, scored over the Government caterers with their masala dosas. Finally, to beat the heat, most party workers settled for the ice-creams being sold inthe area.