Another kite-seller Ajit Dutta, whose shop goes by the name of “India Kites”, said he was excited with the jump in demand for such kites this year.
“For us it means good business. Kites can be used effectively for publicity and advertisement purposes but very few do it properly,” the kite seller says.
Politicians have been under pressure to devise new means of campaigning as the Election Commission has been strict against defacing walls with poll graffiti.
According to kite-makers, since kites can be hanged or pasted easily, it can also be used like an alternative to posters.
“Posters have been used for a very long time. Now you can display the party's message on kites as well which are more eye-catching,” Sen says, adding that it would also give boost to the dying cottage industry of kite manufacturing.
In some cases, party workers are seen decorating their party offices and vehicles with kites made in party colours. They have kept the prices of these kites between Rs 5 and Rs 10, against Rs 3 for the regular ones.
Besides Trinamool's, saffron kites bearing BJP's lotus symbol are selling like hot cakes from the shops. “There is not much demand for other parties,” the kite-makers say.
