In the lead-up to the upcoming elections, Lahore is abuzz with election-related fervor, sparking a surge in the market for symbolic toys and accessories featuring party emblems. Local traders report a notable rise in demand for these locally manufactured items.
While bats anticipated to dominate the market, Tehreek-e-Insaf notably absent due to challenges in securing the symbol. Traders disclose a remarkable 200% increase in the prices of toys adorned with election symbols compared to the 2018 elections.
Rana Asghar, a resident of Constituency NA 120 in Lahore and an active PML-N supporter, has meticulously crafted over 10,000 toys showcasing the election symbol of the Muslim League-N. Employing a combination of wool and plastic, Asghar has produced 5,000 woolen lions and an additional 5,000 plastic replicas.
These symbolic emblems extend beyond mere toys, finding their place on dashboards, vehicle roofs, and embellishing election offices. Some PML-N candidates have even taken it a step further by showcasing giant fiber tigers prominently outside their election offices.
Major toy trader Amir Ramin from Shah Alam Market discloses that symbols such as lions, scales, hockey, clocks, and chairs are in high demand. Woolen lion prices surged from Rs 300-500 in 2018 to Rs 500-800, while plastic toys now sold between Rs 100 and 300.
Independent candidates are also joining the trend, albeit on a smaller scale. The price hike attributed to the increased demand fueled by heightened political activism during the election season.
Muhammad Younis, a model-maker, reveals that political parties and candidates are opting for models of their election symbols, ranging from tigers to bulls, with prices ranging from one lakh 25 thousand rupees to five lakh rupees.
The significance of the election symbol as a crucial tool for publicity during campaigns is unmistakable. Parties and candidates strive to secure popular and fitting symbols. PPP’s Kashif Nawab, a political worker from Constituency NA 127, proudly announces the creation of 5,000 large arrows adorned with the party’s flag. These arrows, painted in PPP colors, serve as a distinctive symbol for the party.
Local leaders, exemplified by Rana Tariq from PML-N, invest substantial sums in crafting large fiber lions, underscoring the impact of these symbols in conveying party allegiance without verbal communication.
As various parties and candidates gear up for the elections, it is evident that the symbolic representation of their identity plays a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of Lahore.
