Traders of publicity materials in Uttar Pradesh are hoping to strike it rich in the forthcoming general elections. The turnover during the poll season is expected to be Rs 140 crore. This is mainly because of the increased advertising budgets compared to the 2004 levels.
The Election Commission’s strictures on keeping the spending low have enthused traders as the candidates would have to opt for cost effective handbills, flags, stickers and banners instead of cutouts and hoardings. The higher sale would mean higher margins for the traders.
According to conservative estimates, about Rs 50 lakh would be spent on election material in each of the 80 constituencies of Uttar Pradesh. Besides, bulk orders are pouring in from Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar.
According to HS Mishra, representing the UP Traders Association, the prices of election publicity are low in Uttar Pradesh compared with other states and this is attracting bulk buying from other states. For instance, a flag with the photo of a party leader on it costs Rs 3 and plastic badges Re 1 each and stickers 80 paise in Lucknow
Rajat Srivastava, owner of an advertising company in Lucknow, said sarees carrying party symbols, which are in demand now, cost Rs 70 each.
He revealed one candidate contesting from Varanasi had purchased 10,000 sarees.