Customised Khadi outfits for Bengal poll season

Light and airy, the humble cotton Khadi fabric remains the top choice when it comes to campaigning in the heat and dust of the election season, say shop-owners who already have their first set of orders for the upcoming assembly polls in West Bengal.

"Orders have started coming in... we have orders from the Trinamool and we expect orders from the other parties soon when their nominations are announced," Alok Ghosh of Khadi Bhandar, College Street, Kolkata told IANS.

"Kurtas in green and sky blue are the most popular items. In the last two years, we have seen more sales of kurtas in the ruling party's colours," he said.

Ghosh said new designs of kurtas with the Trinamool's 'jora phool' (twin flowers) symbol and state Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's image will be out soon.

"Sarees in white with the floral symbol are also going to be sold. They are priced at a reasonable Rs.210 while the kurtas can be purchased at Rs.300," he said.

In addition, for a month, an exclusive range of umbrellas especially for the polls, bearing party symbols is being offered.

"Parties can customise them. They are meant for both the common man as well as for electioneering purpose. Khadi is cheap and is of high quality. It is perfect for the summer polls," he added.

Ghosh and colleagues said that requests for flags in terrycot fabric have started pouring in from the parties.