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A 64-year-old shop in Karol Bagh, where tailoring is a family business, is the go-to destination for many of Delhi’s political leaders seeking bespoke outfits
Despite working 24 hours a day, the artisans are struggling to meet the overwhelming demand from workers, leaders, and ministers. (Local18)
You must know the designers who stitch clothes for Bollywood stars. But have you ever wondered who designs the sparkling kurta-pyjamas for the country’s top leaders? Who stitches the outfits for leaders, ministers, and party workers?
A 64-year-old shop in Karol Bagh, where tailoring is a family business, is the go-to destination for many of Delhi’s political leaders seeking bespoke outfits. Now run by the third generation, the shop continues its legacy of crafting kurta-pyjamas for prominent politicians and ministers.
Surprisingly, the demand for tailored kurta-pyjamas for the Delhi Assembly elections has surpassed the demand for bridal lehengas during weddings. The demand is so high that garments, which used to be ready in three days, now require a waiting period of at least a week. Despite working 24 hours a day, the artisans are struggling to meet the overwhelming demand from workers, leaders, and ministers.
The shop’s owner, Naeem Raja, assures that all orders will be fulfilled before the polling and results, ensuring leaders and ministers have their designer kurta-pyjamas ready for the swearing-in ceremonies.
He also said that previously, five artisans would work together to prepare one kurta-pyjama. However, due to the surge in demand, one artisan is now producing two kurta-pyjamas at a time, with work ongoing around the clock.
High Demand for Jawahar Coats and Saffron Kurta-Pyjamas
According to Raja, the most popular item is the Jawahar Coat, which has always been a favourite among leaders, ministers, and workers. Additionally, the demand for saffron kurta-pyjamas has significantly increased. The shop has seen a 30% rise in market activity, with their workload increasing by 80%.
Price
The Jawahar designer jacket costs Rs 5,000, while the stitching of a kurta-pyjama is approximately Rs 2,000. The shop owner also mentioned that during the election season, the demand for kurta-pyjamas is as high as the demand for bridal lehengas and groom’s sherwanis during the wedding season.
Leaders Who Have Worn These Outfits
The shop has stitched outfits for several prominent figures, including:
- Mayawati: Former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh
- Srinivas Patil: Former Governor of Sikkim
- H.D. Deve Gowda: Rajya Sabha member and India’s 12th Prime Minister
- Vasava Parbhubhai Nagarbhai: 16th Lok Sabha MP
- Dr. Shelly Oberoi: Former Mayor, Aam Aadmi Party
- Rahul Roy: Bollywood actor
