Parties launch publicity blitzkrieg with souvenir items

The state BJP on Monday launched its poll merchandise by giving out a hamper which had t-shirts, wristbands, friendship bands, Modi masks, balloons, shades, a paper megaphone, mobile case and a hanger, among other things.

The merchandise include a paper mitten which has a photo of Chief Minister Narendra Modi on one side and the slogan 'Ekmat Gujarat , bane Bhajap sarkar' on the other, a spoof on the Congress's hand symbol.

For women, the goodies include a hair clip, comb, mangalsutra and purse, all in signature saffron colour. These were launched at a press conference attended by BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman.

The items have been selected and finalised by a team of marketing experts after surveys and feedback from voters was collected to have an idea of their interests. Even the weather factor has been kept in mind as warm saffron head bands have been prepared by the BJP.

"While there are certain items that are user specific like hair clutchers, mangalsutra and ladies purse for women, there are several other items like wrist bands, t-shirts, head bands, combs and tattoos that can be used by anybody," said Jagdish Bhavsar, media co-ordinator for BJP.

While most of these items will be distributed for free during rallies and election campaigns, price-tags will be attached to a few.

While the BJP has a list of 49 such items, Congress too has a similar range of items that has been designed keeping in mind the changing tastes of voters. The Congress website sported samples of two mugs as its poll accessories.

The parties have aimed at not only people to promote this souvenir blitzkrieg by using these items but also explored the static component of campaigning. For instance, items like hanging lamp shades, coffee mugs, pamphlets and banners for offices have been designed for offices and houses.

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