Satyam Infoway has introduced `Polit-Ex' - an online political stock exchange game as part
of the website, satyamonline.com. The virtual stock exchange allows users to buy and sell
securities (Indian politicians) on the net. The player is given Rs 20 lakh of virtual
money once he registers. With this, he can invest in any politician of his choice - Sonia
Gandhi, Laloo Prasad Yadav, Vajpayee and so on.
The listing price is the same for all the
securities/politicians and the value fluctuates in accordance with changes in the actual
political scenario. Said Padma Chandrasekaran, Vice President, Internet Online Business,
Satyam, "With elections around the corner, this game could prove to be very exciting.
There will be hourly updates of news as well, which will enable the users to make their
portfolio decisions. There is a provision to bid for stocks as well, against someone who
is looking to sell, just like a regular stock exchange. Moreover, the game will serve as a
barometer of public sentiment. The portfolios will indicate which politician is the most
popular among the users."
On the other hand, P Chidambaram, ex-Finance Minister, who
inaugurated the launch, said, "The only problem will be that those who play this game
are not likely to go out and vote. I am hoping that Polit-Ex will create a healthy
interest in politics and encourage people to vote."
Prizes are offered to the user whose portfolio has the
highest net worth at the end of each day. One of the prizes is apparels from Pepsi
Urbanway. Said Padma, "Those users whose portfolios have a high net worth enter the
Hall of Fame. From this list prizes are given to the top investor." She added,
"We are also planning to include forums for discussion and live chat sessions with
politicians in the future."
A similar game, called Cric-Ex, was launched by Satyam
Infoway during the World Cup. It was a virtual cricket stock exchange game along the same
lines as Polit-Ex.