Erstwhile symbol of rivalry, Himachali topi away from politics this election
The maroon ‘Himachali Topi’ was code for BJP supporters, while the green ones were for Congress supporters.
The traditional ‘Himachali topi’ with its share of political linkage has found itself at the centre of politics in the state which goes to polls this month.
In the previous assembly poll, the 'Bushehri' could announce your political affiliations. The Bushehri cap has a coloured band covering half its length. It is this band which has now become the political identity of local leaders and the people of Himachal Pradesh.
On the famous Ridge Street, India Today TV spoke to several locals sporting the cap. They said, almost in unison, "Gone are those days. This is a traditional cap and is Himachal's pride. But yes, at one point in time, it did become a symbol of political affiliation.”
“No, the topi has no reason to be in politics. For us, the issues are development, jobs and old pension schemes,” a retired lawyer said.
Also Read | Watch: Imran Khan was waving from atop container and then bullets struck
The maroon ‘Himachali Topi’ was code for BJP supporters, while the green ones were for Congress supporters. It was led by Prem Kumar Dhumal of the BJP and Veer Bhadra Singh of the Congress - who are both political stalwarts and former chief ministers of the state.
But this election, the two stalwarts are absent from the election scene. Singh died last year, while Dhumal is not contesting.
But the initiative to end the politics over this traditional cap came from Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur. Spotted wearing a green cap, he said, “I do not believe that the cap can or should have any affiliation. I wear all colours - be it maroon or green."
His opponent Vikram Aditya Singh backed Thakur: “We are critical of Jai Ram Thakur based on issues. But we must acknowledge that he ended the politics over caps."
Also Read | Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan, his aide injured in gun attack during rally
“Now I wear all the colours,” he added.
However, at a rally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced that both the “laal topi and the hari topi are ours in the state”.
“Politics divides but Himachali topi unites,” a local told India Today TV.
“Topi toh janta ko neta pehnate hai (The people are fooled by the politicians),” another said.
For some, topi politics still happen in far away areas. For others, it’s not the topi but the parties and the issues that they raise, which is more important for them.
Also Read | Total Lunar Eclipse on November 7: All you need to know about blood moon