Aurangabad feels the pinch of slowdown but it's not a buzzword in elections

Aurangabad's markets, from auto to pharma, mirror India's slowdown woes

This industrial hub, and tourist destination, of the Marathwada region hit international headlines nine years back when Mercedes-Benz handed over keys to 150 of its cars to local businesspersons in a single day. That event — local entrepreneurs had planned to buy the cars over a morning jog — generated a never-before buzz about the city and helped attract some investors.

On the last day of campaigning for the Assembly polls on Saturday — and with Diwali less than 10 days away — the festive spirit local businesses had hoped for is absent from Aurangabad’s bazaars. The widespread economic slowdown