Election symbols spark brisk business in Sangareddy during gram panchayat polls

With gram panchayat elections in full swing in Sangareddy, traders report a surge in orders for items representing candidates’ allotted symbols. Sarpanch and ward member contestants are distributing rings, scissors, cricket kits and gas cylinder replicas to gain voter recall

Sangareddy: With the gram panchayat election campaign reaching its peak, traders in towns are witnessing a surge in orders for various symbols allotted to sarpanch and ward member contestants. The State Election Commission has allotted 30 symbols for sarpanch contestants and 20 for ward member contestants in the ongoing local body polls, choosing items commonly used in daily life.

As no political party symbols are permitted in these elections, contestants are going all out to leave a strong impression on voters by prominently displaying their allotted symbols. Sarpanch contestants have been ordering large quantities of items such as rings, scissors, cricket bats, footballs, lady purses, TV remotes and several others. Ward member contestants, meanwhile, have placed orders for frocks, model gas stoves and gas cylinder replicas.

Some candidates have been distributing rings to every voter, while others are gifting scissors to women, hoping to build strong recall for their symbols. Speaking to Telangana Today, P Suresh, a toy seller in Sangareddy town, said stocks of toy cricket bats and footballs were sold out over the last week. A few contestants who received the bat symbol are even distributing cricket kits to youth teams in villages.

Sports shops too are experiencing heavy demand for footballs. TV remotes and toy remotes have been sold out in many outlets. Candidates allotted gas cylinders are carrying replicas, as moving around with original cylinders is difficult.