It was four months ago when Rakhal Das, a foam artist, had initiated his preparations for the Martyrs' Day rally.
Using his talent in artwork, Das had prepared replicas of the symbols of Trinamool Congress, badges with photographs of party supremo Mamata Banerjee and huge caps using foam. He made the articles to sell them out during the Martyrs' Day rally.
Das, a resident of Subhasgram in South 24 Parganas, had travelled all along to Esplanade on Thursday to sell the articles. He had received a minor injury on his leg on Thursday while selling his produce. So on Friday, he came to Sealdah station and sold the articles.
Das, who is the lone bread earner of the family, said he makes replicas of the party's symbol and other articles not only to earn his livelihood but out of affection.
"It took me around four months to make the articles. I worked from morning to 2 am of the next day daily for four months," he said, adding that he had to take loan to procure foam and other raw materials required for making the articles. He was happy with the huge turn out on Friday in the rally as he had managed to sell out all his produce. He expects some profit after clearing all his dues. He visits different rallies organised by the party to sell his produce. But Martyrs' Day rally carries a different meaning to him as it witnesses a record turnout every year.
"The badges made out of foam and carrying photographs of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at its centre sold out within a few hours. Each one bought at least 30 to 40 pieces of such badges. There was also a good demand for replicas of the party's symbol and caps," he said.