Poll-related publicity items find few takers

Strict implementation of model code of conduct, monitoring of candidate's expenses by Election Commission and proliferation of social media have severely affected the business of traders engaged in selling poll- related publicity material.
Candidates in fray have shown little enthusiasm for buying poll-publicity material like flags, badges, caps, T-shirt and banners, traders rued.
"Not even five per cent of our products had been sold so far. There are hardly any buyers for flags, badges, caps, T- shirt and banners, among others. Social media has eaten into our business in a big way," Govind Jain, a local trader dealing in poll materials, told PTI today.

"This year I have not ordered any new supplies as my old stock remains largely unsold. After exhausting the old stock, I will stop selling poll items and restrict myself to dealing in religious articles," he said.
Another trader, Ajay Jain, said because of tough EC guidelines and growing popularity of social media platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook, the traditional poll material is disappearing from the scene.
Even printing press is not attracting much poll-related business these days as the demand for handbills, hoardings and posters have gone down considerably since the last general elections, he said.
However, voters are not complaining as strict norms have ensured that walls are not defaced or posters found littered around in the city.

Thanks to EC's efforts, Manoj Gupta, a voter, said roads and alleys are largely clean these days and flags and posters are not found strewn on streets.