Mangalsutra to hair clip – all for Bihar woman's vote-Oct 10, 2010,

Mangalsutra to hair clip – all for Bihar woman's vote

Pooja Kashyap, TNN, Oct 10, 2010, 04.33am IST


Congress women workers showing mangalsutra with Congress election symbol near Sadaquat Ashram before leaving for the first phase of assembly election campaign in Patna. (TOI Photo)

PATNA: Flaunting 'mangalsutra' was never so haute till small screen czarina Ekta Kapoor got a whole new generation of young wives in her sitcoms to sport them. The artfully ''painted'' sindoor behind strands of teasing locks and the wedlock ''thread'' became a style statement for urban women.

And since real emulates reel and vice-versa, the mangalsutra has made a big comeback in Bihar. Most political parties are cashing in on the sentiments of this traditional chain to woo women voters. Besides the usual badges, flags and head bands bearing party symbols, political parties are targeting women with an assortment of accessories they can connect with. Especially designed hair clips, earrings, chains and other keepsakes are leaving women spoilt for choice.

Distributor of publicity material, Vijay Kumar, said: ''They are designed for the rural market and so are colourful and glittery.'' But the 'mangalsutra' is the hottest selling souvenir. At the Congress party shop, a mangalsutra is selling for Rs 35, hairpins for Rs 20, sari/shirt pins and earrings for Rs 12. While a single badge costs Rs 5, a packet of 100 comes for Rs 400. Even pens with photos of well-known political leaders are up for sale. S K Yadav's counter at the RJD office has added cellphone covers and green wrist bands to the poll fare.

The souvenir splurge also has quartz watches in the shopping list. At the JU(U) office they are selling for Rs 1,800. Those who want a less expensive variety can opt for wall clocks for Rs 80. But frequent party hopping by netas has left traders a wee bit dismayed as the memorabilia goes waste. Vikas Kumar, a shop owner, complained, ''Now, what do I do with these stickers with photos of JD(U) state minority cell chief, Mohd Abu Talib Rahmani?''

Prem Prakash and Vikky, traders at the JD(U) office, sounded worried, too, but for different reasons. There are not many takers for these tokens. ''Last time we sold items worth Rs 40,000 in a matter of three days. At the time of nomination itself, we sold souvenirs worth Rs 20,000,'' he said, blaming the code of conduct for their plight.


Read more: Mangalsutra to hair clip – all for Bihar woman's vote - The Times of Qz