It is ‘poll fest’: Boom time for all trade but for printing and transport

Saravanan, a petty shop owner at Nanganallur, says, “There will be different shows by various parties to demonstrate their strength. One party or the other conducts meetings in every area and they themselves will bring crowds for it. Locals will also turn up in good numbers. So, everything right from cigarettes to cool drinks move fast and this will help small shops to make a quick buck.” 

But, Vignesh, who owns a printing press, has a different version. “Though our industry will see an increase in the orders, it is not as high as compared to the past owing to strict rules enforced by the EC. But, the demand for flex banners has been on the rise over the past few elections. Moreover, social media is also a big challenge to us. It is instant and messages spread in seconds when any news breaks.”

Another section that has seen a dip in its profit margin in recent polls is the private transport operators. “Not many candidates now take cars on rent. Just like the posters, our business has also been hit by the EC’s restriction on the number of vehicles. Between 1980s and 2000, we used change the colours of our car into white as there was big demand among the politicians and candidates for vehicles in that colour. Now, even an order for five cars is a big one for us,” says Stephen, a cab operator. The only time when they get heavy business is on the election day. “Parties hire vehicles mostly from all operators for ferrying voters. Again, we do it only at our risk. If they are caught by officials, we have to get it back only after a series of strenuous efforts,” he explains.

One business that continues to get same level of patronage is the shamiana and ‘sound service’. However, some changes have taken place in this trade. 

“Casuarina poles have been replaced by iron pipes and the traditional thatched dias has given way to one made of iron railings,” says a sound service owner from Tambaram. 

“But, one thing that has not changed is the attitude of politicians when it comes to payment. So, many of us quote 20 to 25 per cent more than the normal rates, as the partymen will definitely dodge on payment,” he says.