Have a blast with Akhilesh, Modi and Ramgopal
ALLAHABAD: Fireworks in the Samajwadi Party’s feuding first family and the political cracker that next year’s polls in Uttar Pradesh promise to be have inspired this Diwali’s light and sound show.
Sporting names and pictures of prominent politicians at the centrestage of the drama unfolding in the state, the Diwali market is offering a range of firecrackers — from humble “Amar Singh ki phooljhari” or sparklers to topof-the-line “Akhilesh ki Dileri” and “Modi ki Dahaad” bombs.
The “Samajwadi ka tag war” is showcasing the crisis in the ruling party. The cover shows chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and uncle Ramgopal Yadav standing on one side, and SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav posing with brother Shivpal Yadav at the other corner.
Ramgopal, the sacked Akhilesh loyalist, has his cracker to burst too. The “Ramgopal Yadav ki Lal Mirchi” is apparently named after the leader’s remarks in support of Akhilesh that his uncle, Mulayam, thought was hotter than a chili.
Amar’s phooljhari represents his role in the tug-of-war within the SP. Akhilesh ki Dileri bombs — the third word meaning boldness or the courage the young chief minister has shown to oppose uncle Shivpal — is getting a cracker of a response from shoppers, sellers said. A number of shops are selling high-range rockets, named “Surgical Strikes” — cashing in on a catchphrase after Indian elite forces destroyed militant hideouts in Pakistanoccupied Kashmir.
A “Modi Bomb” with the tagline “BJP ki Bhadas” and “Modi ki Dahaad” is making waves too. Bhadas and Dahaad, meaning anger and roar, are viewed as a take on the BJP’s attempts to gain from the Yadav family dispute. “Modi Ki Dahaad’ is selling at `10,000 apiece.
“Firecrackers inspired by political developments are catching eyes, but not all can afford them. The B JP ki Bhadas, an 80m multi-burst roll of 15,000 firecrackers, costs `20,000,” said K ar am Illa hi, a wholesale dealer. “Ramgopal Yadav ki Lal Mirchi” is priced at `3,200. It would burst for at least half-an-hour, seller Soni Seth said, while “Akhilesh ki Dileri” comes with 510 colourful bursts. The price? `12,000.