Artisans rue poor sale of cutouts, flags

Social media and strict Election Commission norms seem to have had a direct impact on traditional methods of campaigning in Delhi as artisans making cutouts, billboards and flags are struggling to rake in the moolah this time.
Anees Bhai, an artisan in Sadar Bazar who supplies cutouts, flags and posters to political parties, used to look forward to elections with great hope and expectations, but not this time.
The 62-year-old artisan has been in the business since 1989 general elections but a recent shift towards online campaigning and strict Election Commission rules have made him think twice about venturing into a new profession.

"I used to get orders of 5,000 flags which is now reduced to mere 100 flags," he said while stitching a BJP flag at his home in Sadar Bazar.
Since the Election Commission started putting special emphasis on anti-defacement drive, demands for posters, banners, flags and cutouts have come down drastically.
"Earlier, at least 25 cars used to accompany a candidate in an election rally which is now reduced to five. So, the flags, cutouts, posters and other promotional items used on these cars have come down," Anees said.
Businessmen have cited the Model Code of Conduct and expenditure limits set by EC as some of the reasons for the drop in sales of election publicity items.

"The business has shrunk by 50 per cent, I have a family of 13 to support, how do I manage in the current inflationary market... I don't understand," said another artisan, who did not wish to be named.