The Surat textile industry expects an additional business of at least Rs 50 crore from the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections. This time, the industry is eyeing vigorous business, the orders are expected to start pouring in after January 14 and complete by February-end.

According to industry sources, in recent state assembly elections of five states, candidates from different political parties purchased more than 2.5 lakh saris from Surti manufacturers to distribute to their voters. In 2009 general elections, more than 5 lakh saris and 2 lakh dress material pieces were ordered from Surat.

The numbers this election may be as high as 20 to 25 lakh pieces of saris and more than 10 lakh pieces of dress material of inexpensive variety, said a dyeing mill owner, who supplied one lakh saris to a political party.

All the major political parties including BJP and Congress place orders for saris and dress materials. Parties like DMK and AIDMK and outfits from Jharkhand and Bihar too place their order.

In 2009, they were able to supply basic quality sari at Rs 100 to Rs 125 per piece but this time it will be nothing less than Rs 150 per piece, said Dhanesh Mundada a dyeing mill owner.

Although, the election orders in terms of volume are not very high but it is a one-time guaranteed sale and everyone is waiting for the elections. The textile industry is looking to cash in on the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

At present, Surat's daily production of saris is around 30 to 35 lakh pieces and 75 per cent of that is inexpensive material. Similarly, nearly 21 lakh pieces of dress material is manufactured in the city daily, of which nearly 65 per cent is at cheaper price.