Archive · 27 Aug 2026
Political Leader Rakhis See Strong Demand in East Medinipur
Raksha Bandhan is a festival where siblings celebrate their bond with rakhis.
In Kanthi, many shoppers are buying rakhis with pictures of political leaders.
These include Narendra Modi, Suvendu Adhikari and Yogi Adityanath.
Some rakhis also show the Bharatiya Janata Party symbol.
Shopkeepers say these rakhis became more popular after the party won West Bengal’s Assembly polls.
Saffron-colored rakhis are also attracting customers.
They cost about Rs 10 to Rs 20.
However, shopkeepers say total rakhi sales are lower this year because of flash floods in Nepal and other factors.
Rakhis featuring Narendra Modi, Suvendu Adhikari, Yogi Adityanath and the Bharatiya Janata Party symbol are in higher demand in Kanthi.
Shopkeepers attributed the increased interest to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s victory in West Bengal’s Assembly polls earlier this year.
Saffron-themed rakhis have reportedly become especially popular after the Suvendu Adhikari-led government came to power.
The rakhis cost between Rs 10 and Rs 20 and are displayed prominently near Kanthi’s Post Office crossing.
Overall rakhi sales have been weaker than expected, which shopkeepers linked partly to flash floods in Nepal and other factors.
- Who
- Shopkeepers and customers in Kanthi, including buyers from surrounding gram panchayats and blocks.
- What
- Rakhis featuring political leaders and the Bharatiya Janata Party symbol have seen increased demand.
- When
- The report was published one day before Raksha Bandhan, which was to be celebrated on August 28.
- Where
- Kanthi and the wider East Medinipur district of West Bengal.
- Why
- Shopkeepers linked the demand to the Bharatiya Janata Party’s Assembly-poll victory and the formation of the Suvendu Adhikari-led government in the state.
- Festival
- Raksha Bandhan, celebrated on August 28
- Location
- Kanthi, East Medinipur, West Bengal
- Rakhi price
- Rs 10-20
- Popular images
- Narendra Modi, Suvendu Adhikari and Yogi Adityanath
- Political symbol
- The Bharatiya Janata Party symbol
- Overall sales
- Reportedly below expectations this year
- Sales factors
- Flash floods in Nepal and other factors