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Khadi stores in Patna make a killing this poll season
Sensing the demand, khadi outlets in Patna have stocked various types of dresses, besides merchandise like printed caps, bands, plaids and T-shirts.
Khadi clothes, such as kurtas, shirts and waistcoats, are high in demand in Patna, as election fever grips leaders and political workers alike.
Sensing the demand, khadi outlets in the state capital have stocked various types of dresses, besides merchandise like printed caps, bands, plaids and T-shirts.
Rajik Ansari, a cloth merchant of Habibullah Gramin Vikas Khadi Gramodyog Sangh, says sale of khadi clothes has gone up by 30% compared to March this year. “Leaders and workers of BJP, RJD, JD(U), Congress, and RLSP are the main buyers of khadi merchandise. Besides traditional dresses, customised items such as bands, caps, and T-shirts printed with party symbols are in great demand,” Ansari said.
Nidhi Singh, a fashion designer from NIFT, says, “Modi has created a new fashion statement. Nowadays, consumers prefer half-sleeve kurta and ‘Modi jacket’. Earlier, RJD chief Lalu Yadav had a signature style of wearing long and full sleeves kurta. We get huge number of orders for designing such kurtas.”
Rameshwar Saw, manager of a khadi retail outlet on Ashok Rajpath, says most of the stocks he had ordered in bulk two months ago have been sold and he has ordered more. “Besides, white linen cloth for kurtas and pajamas, which are favourite among politicians, and the demand for shirts in light colours and checks is also picking up as the temperature goes up in the town,” said Saw.
The price of khadi and cotton clothes ranges from ₹200 to ₹1000 while other small merchandise are available for ₹20 to 300, says Omar Ali, a shopkeeper near Beerchand Patel Marg. Modi and Tejaswai masks are other items demanded by youth fan followers, added Ali.
Raja Ravi, a BJP supporter, who was spotted buying khadi items near an outlet at Dak Bungalow, said he had got BJP customized plaids for the day of filing of nomination. “Party branded products are worn as a loyalty symbol and increases enthusiasm among supporters and instils a sense of unity among them,” he says.
Mohit Raj, a Patna University student, says he received a khadi kurta from a student union member as a token of love for supporting him. “We all wear it when we go in field for campaigning or rally,” he says.
