Shimla, July 6: The Himachali cap donned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Israel has taken on political colours back home in the hill state, which will go to the hustings next year.
Modi wore a Himachali cap with a maroon band while meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This sartorial touch of the PM sent the Himachal BJP into raptures. The cap, they said, signified the PM’s love for Himachal.
Former chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal tweeted. “I would like to thank Narendra Modi ji for using Himachal’s cap as a crown in Israel.” His son and former BCCI chairman and Lok Sabha member from Hamirpur, Anurag Thakur, was also quick to tweet, “This is indeed a proud moment for all the Himachalis and on behalf of all my fellow brothers, sisters and near and dear ones, I would once again like to thank Modi wholeheartedly for this gesture.”
The maroon band is associated with the BJP, while the green band is synonymous with Congress. It’s the trademark of present Congress chief minister Virbhadra Singh.
Every time there is a change of government in the state, the colour of the Himachali cap also changes.
Modi was in charge of Himachal BJP many years ago. Even during his US visit, Modi’s gift hamper for President Donald Trump included a hand-woven Kullu shawl, tea and honey from Kangra valley. He also gifted a traditional Himachali handcrafted silver bracelet to First Lady Melania Trump .
It was in the 1970s that the colour of the caps took on a political hue in Himachal.
Source Hindustan Times
