Unprecedented Boom in Kashmir's Hoarding and Printing Business During Assembly Elections

The printing and hoarding business in Kashmir has experienced an unprecedented boom during the current assembly elections. Local entrepreneurs report a surge in demand for election banners, posters, pamphlets, and flags. The increased visibility and open use of promotional materials highlight a wider participation in the democratic process in the region.

There has been a remarkable boom in the hoarding and printing business in Kashmir during these assembly elections, local traders have said. They underline that this trend shows wider participation in the democratic exercise in Jammu and Kashmir, where polls are often marred by boycott calls.

Local entrepreneurs say the demand for election banners, posters, pamphlets, and flags has surged to unprecedented levels in the Valley's electoral history.

Waseem Raja Khan, who has three decades of experience in the field and owns a printing press in Srinagar, reported that they are now printing over a thousand posters and hoardings daily. The scale and visibility of this election's campaign materials are a stark contrast to previous elections, where they were often used discreetly.

'We offer a wide array of services, including banners, hoardings, pamphlets, flags, and manifesto printing,' Khan said. 'This election cycle has seen a remarkable increase in the use of these materials.' He mentioned that nearly every political party has approached him for services, translating into substantial financial growth with a 40 percent increase in orders.

'We are working around the clock, often pulling night shifts, to meet deadlines. Each day we print over a thousand posters and hoardings,' Khan said, adding that the industry is thriving and operating openly for the first time during an election campaign.

With two phases still to go and vote counting set for October 8, the excitement surrounding the elections continues to fuel the demand for promotional materials in Kashmir. Local businesses expect this surge in demand to continue as political parties ramp up their campaigns.