Political compulsions spin huge profits for khadi

AHMEDABAD: Nobody knows whether Mahatma Gandhi''s ideals are still being followed in Gujarat, but the charkha-spun khadi is in vogue. Just for the occasion — elections. Ever since the election dates were announced, politicians have been rushing to khadi outlets for a change in wardrobe.
"Khadi has become a fast moving item on our rack. During our 45-day sale period — between October 2 and November 4 — khadi sales increased by 20 per cent.Many parties and politicians bought material even for their supporters... Looking at the demand for khadi, we have extended the special concession till the elections," says Jitendra Kulkarni, manager of the Panchsheel Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar near Gandhi Ashram.
"The government has allowed us to increase the sale period from 90 to 108 days. With this, we expect a further surge in khadi sales in the state," says Shailendra Singh, a representative from the Khadi Sadan, which is managed by the Khadi Gramodhyog Prayog Samiti.
"Before the announcement of the elections, we used to receive 15 buyers a day. Now, we get at least 25 buyers a day," says Singh.
The monthly sale figures provided by the biggest Khadi outlet in Ellisbridge, Khadi Sarita, shows the election-propelled surge in sales. In November, khadi items worth Rs 23 lakh were sold as against a sales figure of Rs 16 lakh in the corresponding period last year.
And now, there''s a tinge of fashion, too, in khadi outfits. Khadi Sarita manager Arvind Parmar says: "Many party workers prefer poly-khadi, which is wrinkle-free."
Mahendra Sheth, secretary of the Pranami Khadi Bhandar, sees nothing unusual in khadi sales. "Khadi sales always spiral during the elections.
But it is interesting that we have registered a sales rise of about 20 per cent this year. During the 1998 assembly elections, there was only a 10 per cent surge in sales."