Khadi is the fit for these youth during elections

Colourful, designer kurta-pyjamas from brands such as Anokhee and Fabindia may have forayed into the wardrobes of our yuva netas, but the traditional khadi white kurta-pyjama is still the “politically correct” style statement for them.

For young politicians of the Congress, khadi is undoubtedly an extension of their political image. Rahul Gandhi, known for his ‘khadi advocacy’, said a few days ago: “I always wear khadi and feel comfortable in it."

“The image of a man clad in crisply-creased white khadi kurta-pyjamas continues to define the quintessential Indian politician. For social functions we may prefer jeans and T-shirt or colourful kurta-pyjamas, but the white khadi kurta-pyjama is the ‘dress code’ for all political dos,” a young Congress parliamentarian said.

The politician admitted that though there was no rule forbidding party members from dressing up in a non-khadi attire, wearing khadi was a “politically-correct style statement”.

Young Congress MPs such as Jitin Prasada, Sachin Pilot, Navin Jindal and Jyotiraditya Scindia all swear by the khadi for political events, though for private functions they choose trendy clothes.

With general elections just a few weeks away, khadi bhavans across the capital are expecting a spurt in sales.

“Sale of white khadi cloth increases by almost 25% during elections,” Nathu Lal, store manager of the Khadi Bhavan in Connaught Place, said.