Jhalmuri, lotus witness sales boom

Kolkata: As preparations gather pace for the BJP cabinet's swearing-in on Saturday, lotus and jhalmuri—the first, the party symbol and the latter turned into a prominent motif during the campaign—witness an unexpected sales rise.Traders and vendors said demand had risen sharply amid victory rallies, celebrations and preparations for swearing-in. While saffron flags, caps and stoles have also flooded markets, especially at Burrabazar and on Jamunalal Bajaj Street and Canning Street, it is the humble thonga (paper packet) of jhalmuri and lotus that have emerged as the most visible symbols of the changing political landscape of Bengal.Jhalmuri, which literally means spicy puffed rice, is a popular spicy, street snack in Bengal that suddenly gained national attention during the election campaign. PM Narendra Modi stopped for jhalmuri during a visit to Jhargram and later said, "I had jhalmuri but Trinamool felt the sting". The comment gained such traction among party supporters that it soon became a staple at BJP gatherings.Vendors pointed out that the "trend" translated into stronger sales. "Jhalmuri has always been one of our best-selling products. But after the PM had jhalmuri, its demand roared significantly," said Neha Ghosh of Swissyum, a Bengal-based brand known for selling jhalmuri in portable, paper cones. Retailers in Burrabazar, too, said they had been receiving bulk orders from BJP workers and units, holding victory marches and gatherings. "The dry snack was already popular, given it is affordable and convenient to eat. But the political attention has added fresh energy to sales," said Sandip Jaiswal, who deals in packaged jhalmuri of Bikaji brand.A roadside jhalmuri vendor on Theatre Road, Shambhu Shaw, also confirmed his sales had nearly doubled in the past few days. "Usually people returning from work stop for jhalmuri in the evening. Now, party workers and youngsters are buying it, too. Many are carrying it to rallies," he said.Similar is the sales scene of lotus. Florists and wholesalers at the Mullickghat flower market said lotus was being bought in large quantities for rallies, garlands and bouquets. "The demand has risen by almost 20% after poll results. Buyers even from Howrah and Hooghly are sourcing flowers from Kolkata," said Biswanath Koley, a wholesaler. Orange carnations and marigold, too, are seeing stronger sales. "Lotus used to be associated with religious festivals. Now it's becoming a political symbol in Bengal," said a florist at Bhowanipore's Floral World. At the wholesale market, lotus price has gone up by Rs 25 a piece. "The demand has pushed up the price," said Moloy Ghosh of Krishna Flowers in Girish Park.
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