Barely 20 days are left for the beginning of State Assembly elections but the sale of election materials is yet to gain momentum at the state capital.
Both sellers and political parties are anxiously waiting for the nomination and symbol allotment of candidates for the sales and distribution of the materials. The demand of poll materials for the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) and Congress is probably dominating the minds of residents and sellers this year with minute focus to some independent candidates.
“Many Independent and national political party candidates have informed us in advance for printing their pamphlets, banner and flags. We are waiting for the nomination and symbol allotment. The demand is more from BJP. In the last held lok Sabha elections as well, the maximum demand was from BJP,” said Gautam, owner of Rameshwaram Printers agency at Harmu Road.
Speed O Print flex printing services at Kokar said they have not received any order from their sources for publication of any party’s advertisement. However, tailor Atiqur Rehman at Upper Bazaar whose family is involved in the flag stitching business since 90 years presumed the sale of BJP, Congress and Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (JVM) flags will rule the market this year.
“In the recent lok Sabha and Mayoral polls, flags of BJP, Congress and JVM were sold like hot cakes. The majority sold-out flags were from Congress. It is obvious that the sale of these parties will be more in the upcoming Assembly elections,” Rehman said.
Similarly, Madhusudan Mukherjee, a resident of Hinoo felt BJP’s materials will be purchased in large numbers as the same party is ruling the central government. Political Parties on the other hand are discussing on whom to approach for the bulk order of their party symbol materials.
“Around two trucks of flags and badges of our party have come from New Delhi in the first lot. We are waiting for the nomination of our candidates after which the election manifesto and remaining pamphlets will be published from a local dealer by November 10,” said Congress Media-Incharge lal Kishore Nath Shahdeo.
BJP member Kamaal Khan said, “We will order badges, flags and pamphlets to the person who will compromise on a cheaper rate. The search for such a person will begin after our members file their nomination. It will probably be finalized within a week.”