CAMPAIGN GOES HIGHTECH

If General Elections are round the corner it is a festive season for the makers and suppliers of Election Material. But this time it is entirely different atmosphere. Influenced by US peers, as Indian politicians take to technology to campaign for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which begin on April 16, the sale of election material such as badges, banners and posters are at very low pace. The use of Information and Communications Technologies is affecting our business, complained the suppliers and makers. "Parties and candidates are doing hi-tech campaigning. They are investing more in mobile SMS and advertisements on television." Anilbhai Rakhiwala, a seller of election material in Sadar Bazaar, New Delhi, explained. Even at 15 per cent lower prices items such as flags, banner, posters and badges are are not going, he complained. Many traders are complaining the their business is not gearing up like the last general elections. Things which were last time sold at Rs 100 are now selling at Rs 85 but even then business is not picking up. Political caps are being sold for anything between Rs 3 and Rs 15, banners for Rs 5-35 and plastic and paper badges ranging from 10 paise to Rs 2. Depending up on the variety mufflers are available for Rs 3-8 and stickers between Rs 2 and Rs 20. Pen bearing party symbol is being sold at Rs 2 a piece.