Khammam: The upcoming gram panchayat elections are turning to be a boon for flexi-makers in Khammam. Contesting candidates are getting flexis with their photo and symbol made, to put up in villages. Earlier, as everyone in the village knew everyone, candidates would personally visit homes and request families to vote for them.
In recent times, however the demographics have changed. Small-scale employees, Vidya school volunteers, farm labourers from other towns and villages and states who are employed in other villages, have set up residence. This change in demographics has resulted in a need for candidates to campaign with their name and symbol as voters in these villages are outsiders and do not know them.
P. Prasad, from Kachirajugudem under Khammam Rural mandal said, “Candidates are making sure to familiarise voters to their symbols during campaigning. The aim is to clear confusion about the symbol. Campaign with flexis is impactful and need of the hour”.
There are 200 flexi makers in Khammam. As candidates have begun campaigning, business is thriving. On an average flexi makers earn Rs 4,000 to Rs 5,000 per day.
N. Sunder, a flexi-maker said, “Sarpanch candidates are placing orders for three to 10 flexis, depending on their financial ability. Ward members place orders from one to five flexis with their symbols. Presently, we are unable to take regular orders from shops and other establishments as we are busy making flexis for the elections.”
