AAP runs out of 'aam aadmi' caps in Gujarat

In talks with Gujarat weavers for recycled paper, cotton, khadi caps

While the membership drive in Gujarat has helped the Aam Aadmi Party to garner 100,000 members, it is running short of its trademark 'aam aadmi' caps.

Consequently, the party is in talks with weavers in Ahmedabad, Mehsana and Rajkot for cost-effective supply of caps in large numbers.

The party is also getting demands from vendors and members alike for canopies and umbrellas in Gujarat.

"We have met weavers in cities like Rajkot, Mehsana and even within Ahmedabad for supply of our Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Currently, we have been sourcing these caps from Delhi but we need to source them locally, since the demand is only growing with each passing day. It is also turning out to be good proposition for the weavers due to such huge demand," said Sukhdev Patel, Gujarat convenor, AAP.

While the party is upbeat for offering means of livelihood for the state-based weavers in production of caps, due to scarce funds, the party leaders are looking at economical options.

"Currently, the caps that we source from Delhi costs us around Rs 3.50-4.00 which we sell at Rs 5 per piece. However, not all caps are sold, since most of them are also distributed on a complimentary basis to our members, especially during outdoor events. The party is not flush with funds and is looking at some more economical options," said Sylvester Vinodi, Ahmedabad secretary, AAP.

Options for the AAP caps include those made out of recycled paper, cotton as well as khadi.

"We are yet to place orders of significant amount. However, we will mostly look caps made out of recycled paper and normal cotton grey cloth since khadi tends to be a costly affair," Vinodi added. While caps made out of recycled paper and cotton grey cloth cost around Rs 3 and Rs 7-8, respectively, the khadi caps cost as much as Rs 20.

Nevertheless, the party is learnt to be in negotiations for all the three kinds of caps. More so since with memberships now running over 100,000 in Gujarat, the demand for AAP caps is only picking pace.

"By the time of general elections, we foresee demand for at least 2.6 million caps in the state. We have already sourced and distributed close to 100,000 caps across the state," said Vinodi.

Meanwhile, AAP's other merchandise such as canopies and information booklet are also in demand among members aspiring to set up offices in other parts of the state under the party banner. "However, we are limiting the supply of canopies and approving them only after due diligence," Vinodi stated.