Gongadi blanket trends this poll season

Haveri: Political party leaders and workers normally present valuable gifts to their state and union leaders during election campaigns. This time, a woollen blanket, locally known as ‘Gongadi’, has become the trendiest gift during election rallies.
Politicians, irrespective of their party affiliation, have been gifted with black woollen blankets. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah, Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, leader of opposition in the assembly Siddaramaiah, KPCC president DK Shivakumar and others have received this unique gift. Black woollen blanket is considered holy, and has been used by nomads and shepherds across Karnataka. This time around, it has become a tool to attract voters during the campaign.
Sources said BJP workers have offered a black woollen blanket twice in the last two months during the PM’s visits to Karnataka. They have also offered a blanket to Amit Shah twice during the poll campaign. Congress workers have also offered woollen blankets to their leaders during the election campaign.
“I have received many orders for specially designed woollen black blankets from political parties. I have sold at least 50 of them. This is good business. BJP, Congress and JD(S) party leaders and workers purchased these as gifts for their leaders, along with other things,” shared Puttappa Mailar, who is a blanket vendor at Halageri in Ranebennur taluk.
“Normally, black woollen blankets are used by shepherds in Karnataka as well as neighbouring states. It is also used during religious rituals as people believe that it is holy. However, this election season, this blanket is being used to attract votes of Kuruba community. This is one of the election strategies that was followed by all political parties,” shared Ramanna Kuravatti, a resident of Haveri.