‘Baluchari was stiff earlier, told weavers to soften it after coming to power’: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee added a touch of style, quite literally, to her poll campaign in Bishnupur, turning the spotlight on the iconic Baluchari saree while blending governance claims with a dose of personal flair.
Addressing a rally at Bishnupur High School ground on March 30, Banerjee said, “Baluchari was stiff earlier, told weavers to soften it after coming to power,” drawing cheers and a few amused reactions from the crowd. She linked the change in texture to evolving preferences, noting that modern-day women favour softer, more comfortable fabrics over the traditional “kharkhare” feel.
The Trinamool Congress supremo also pointed out that Baluchari received its Geographical Indication (GI) tag during her tenure, presenting it as part of a broader push to promote Bengal’s heritage industries.
In a candid aside, Banerjee said she even designs sarees herself and shares those designs with local weavers, a detail that added a personal, almost designer-like touch to her political pitch.
Highlighting the growing popularity of the weave, she said Bishnupuri Baluchari sarees are now widely available across Biswa Bangla outlets, Bengal Haat, Srishti fairs and NGO-run exhibitions.
The fabric, she added, is no longer limited to sarees, with silk variants now being used for men’s kurtas and traditional attire as well.
Banerjee also revealed that Baluchari sarees and Dokra artefacts have become her preferred gifts during foreign visits, positioning them as cultural ambassadors of the state.
Beyond textiles, the Chief Minister touched upon Bishnupur’s rich cultural legacy, including its temple architecture and the renowned Bishnupur gharana of music.
She said the region attracts visitors from across the world, and emphasised that her government has prioritised tourism development and infrastructure upgrades in the area.
She further claimed that restoration work has been carried out on ancient archaeological sites and manuscripts in Bankura-Bishnupur, and assured that a dedicated marketing hub will be set up in Bishnupur to boost local crafts.
Amid sharp political messaging, Banerjee’s remarks on softening sarees stood out, weaving together culture, comfort, and campaign in one neatly delivered pitch.