Protests surge, so does 'Anna topi' sale

BOKARO: The anti-corruption movement of Anna Hazare has not only drawn support of the masses but given a boost to the sale of the quintessential Gandhi cap - now becoming popular as " Anna topi". The identical khadi cap, which was worn only occasionally on Republic and Independence Days, can now be seen on heads of thousands of Anna supporters. This cap has become a symbol of displaying solidarity in fight against corruption.

Bokaro on Tuesday witnessed over a dozen dharnas staged at various roundabouts and public places. People came out on the streets carrying national flags, wearing caps and raising slogans against the Centre for arresting Anna. Majority of the protesters were seen wearing Anna caps during demonstration. The protestors comprised students, businessmen, doctors, teachers among others. Durganand Jha, the manager of Jharkhand Khadi Gram Udyog showroom in Sector-IV, said this is for the first time he found customers waiting outside the showroom as he reached there to open it in the morning. Within an hour of opening the showroom, more than 20 Gandhi caps were sold. And in the next few hours more than 50 people bought it. "Seeing the rising demand, I have had hired tailors to stitch more such caps. A cap is stitched with 35-40 cm khadi cloth and are sold between Rs 50 and Rs 70 each," said Jha.

There are four Khadi shops in Sector-II, IV, IX and Chas and all are doing brisk business, sources said. "Although I have sold five caps in the past three days, including the Independence Day on Tuesday, the sales rose to 40 caps.

It is not only the politicians and social workers, but majority of the customers are students, businessmen, teachers, retired persons etc," said another shopkeeper. The showroom also witnessed men in khakis purchasing caps on the day. When asked, one of them said preferring anonymity that there was no harm in wearing a 'Anna Toppi'. "I am against corruption and want the government to pass the Janlokpal Bill," he said. Aryan, a student of Class X of St Xavier's School, said that he and his friends are with Anna and demanded the release of Hazare. "Anna has raised voice against corruption and we are with him. We want our country to become corruption-free and we will make it so some day," he said.