This time,image builders shun poll work

They are citing their experience of 2004 for the decision. Some PR firms said they had difficulty in getting paid for the job they had done,while others said that the task is too daunting to handle.

“We have done PR jobs for several political parties in the past and our experience with politicians made us take a policy decision that we will not enter that realm ever again. PR agencies are known by the clients they keep,and we feel that as professionals we’d rather avoid the company of politicians,” said N Chandramouli,CEO,Blue Lotus Communications Pvt. Ltd.

Echoing his views is Himanil Bose,city head,Hanmer MS & L. “Earlier,we had worked with Shiv Khera. Even now,we don’t have a policy that prevents us from taking up political assignments. But we have decided not to do so this time. The reason is a basic difference in the thought process and working style. Political assignments are personality driven and can be very problematic,” said Bose.

The main reason for this shying away,say PR agencies,is the lack of professionalism that marks politics in general. Others hint at problems in getting paid for their work.

Neelam Gorhe,spokesperson,Shiv Sena,said the difference in methodology and working is the reason why political parties and big PR agencies are not working together in many cases. Also,she says the decision to stay away is mutual.

“We have experts in our party,who guide us from time to time. And if big PR firms,which work for corporate houses,do not understand the expectations of the masses or our methodology then the whole exercise would backfire,” said Gorhe

Hundred Percent PR that operates in Maharashtra and Goa,feels the political drama is too demanding on the resources of a firm like theirs. “We operate in Maharashtra and Goa and function with small manpower. Political PR assignments demand a lot of time and attention. This hampers our regular work. A few political parties have approached us but we had to turn then down,given their needs,” said Tushar Joshi.

However,not all PR firms in the city are averse to political assignments. Sunil Mane of Content Media and Solutions has taken up the PR work for BSP candidate D S Kulkarni. “I understand their needs and style of working. A candidate needs to reach out to the masses and that needs a different strategy,which I am very comfortable with,” said Mane.