With the Rajasthan Assembly election round the corner, the city of Jodhpur is all set to witness a fight between turbans of different political parties.
Considered a symbol of honour, dignity and valour, demand for traditional Jodhpuri safas (turbans) has hit the roof in the city. Both political leaders and workers prefer wearing their party-coloured safas during poll campaigning in Jodhpur.
“In the last election we had made very few safas for our local leaders but when the top political leaders like Rahul Gandhi or Narendra Modi also adorned our turbans, the demand skyrocketed. We have stocked up around 9,500 to 10,000 safas for the upcoming election.”Moinuddin Rangrez, Jodhupur Turban Dealer
Safas for BJP members are coloured in saffron and green while the ones for Congress are dyed in shades of saffron, white and green. Besides the two main political parties in Rajasthan, even BSP leaders and workers demand safas with blue as the most prominent colour.
“When you wear a safa of your party, it reinforces your support and sympathy for the leader.”Dr Anil Upadhyay, BSP Candidate in Jodhpur
“When party workers set off for campaigning wearing these safas, they feel honoured and passionate. Then they campaign for their party whole-heartedly.”Shravan Kumar, BJP worker
Dealers in Jodhpur said the demand for safas is mainly high for the two main political parties – the BJP and the Congress.
“Demand for safas of both parties are high. When Rahul Gandhi is dated to come, sales of Congress safas increase and when Narendra Modi is due to visit, sales of BJP safas rise.”Rajkumar, Jodhpur Turban Dealer
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