A tailor takes measurements of JD (U) leader Yugesh Kushwaha for making a kurta at a shop near MLA Club in Patna on Sunday. Picture by Deepak Kumar

Patna, March 13: The forthcoming panchayat election in the state has spoilt the festivities for tailors who expertise in stitching sparkling white kurtas for politicians and their followers.

Earlier, these tailors used to make a killing during the month of Holi as many politicians used to place orders for kurtas ahead of the festival.

However, this year, because of the panchayat elections, the politicians are busy campaigning in their constituencies and hence the demand for kurtas has dwindled.

The sale of kurtas near MLA club premises, famous for stitching kurtas for MLAs, have dipped drastically.

More than 25 shops near the MLA club premises specialise in making kurtas during Holi. The tailors stitch the kurtas according to the personality and choice of the MLA.

Mohammad Javed, who has been making kurtas for MLAs for the past 35 years, said: “This year, Holi has brought disappointment. Our business has been badly hit because of the coming panchayat polls. Most of the MLAs are busy in their constituencies. Just one week is left for Holi and we have not received any order from any politician. Earlier, we used to get more than 15 to 20 orders a day for stitching kurtas for MLAs. We used to make around Rs 20,000 during Holi but till last week I earned only Rs 500.”

He added: “MLAs used to visit our shop before Holi. They have different tastes. Some wanted embroidery near the neck and some wanted plain kurta. Earlier, my master tailor used to make 10 to 15 kurtas a day and some MLAs even had to wait for a week to get their choice of kurtas. It seems, this year we will have to go empty handed.”

The shops are also famous for making kurtas for specific parties. JD (U) MLAs visit a particular shop, BJP men go to a different one and RJD MLAs go to the chosen ones in shops near MLA club.

JD (U) leader Yugesh Kushwaha, who was giving measurement for a kurta in one of the shops near MLA club, said: “As our leaders are busy campaigning in their constituencies, I am filling the gap on their behalf. At least the tailors should do some business.”

Mohammad Arif, a shopowner said: “There was a time when cars of MLAs used to queue up here to place orders for kurtas during Holibut the polls have spoilt everything.” The panchayat polls are scheduled to begin on April 20. Many of the politicians may even miss the Holi celebrations in the state capital given their busy campaigning schedule.

For the kurta tailors, however, the festival seems to be another year away. Maybe, next year, the queues of Ambassador cars would again build up outside their shops and the demand for special kurtas hit the roof. Maybe.