The Modi wave seems to have created a huge impact on flag traders in Chennai who are gearing up for voluminous but low-profit sales ahead of the Lok Sabha election scheduled on April 24 in Tamil Nadu.
“We are getting more enquiries on BJP-related articles than ever before, at least in the last one decade. In fact, the stock for the BJP nearly equals that of the AIADMK,” said Jayaraj, a flag trader from Parrys Corner who is expecting sales in full swing after the announcement of candidates by all the parties.
Flags, badges, festoons, caps, fans, umbrellas, 3D reflective cards, pens, lockets, rings —Modi and Amma can be seen in equal numbers, say the traders. These wholesale shops are in a seasonal business during election time. The orders for new items like 3D cards, pens, lockets and rings seems to be on a roll. The sales have started with orders from southern districts pouring in over the last few days. The traders expect a sales to grow before the Election Commission tightens up around the first week of April.
“We expect a smooth sale as we think the EC will be liberal till the end of March. We are keeping ourselves ready though there may not be a huge profit because parties are apprehensive about spending now,” said Lakshmi Narayanan, wholesale trader from Parrys Corner.
“Especially in the festoon business there are not many labourers as it is a seasonal business. We have to put in all the money, so at least to get it back we have to sell at a low cost,” he added.