Artisans making iconic Kolhapuri chappals should not be sidelined: Minister Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru (PTI): Following a controversy over Italian luxury brand Prada's use of footwear closely resembling Kolhapuri chappals, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge emphasised that the names, work, and legacy of the state's artisans who craft these iconic chappals should be recognised, not sidelined.
Taking a dig at the brand, he said that Prada is selling what are essentially Kolhapuri chappals for Rs 1.2 lakh a pair.
Taking to 'X' on Sunday, he said that few people know that a large number of the artisans who make these iconic chappals actually live in Karnataka's Athani, Nippani, Chikkodi, Raibag, and other parts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Dharwad.
"They've been making these chappals for generations, selling them in nearby towns, especially Kolhapur, which became the default market and over time, the brand," he said.
Kharge recalled how, when he was the Social Welfare Minister, they saw Maharashtra pushing for sole GI tag rights over Kolhapuris.
"Through Dr. Babu Jagjivan Ram Leather Industries Development Corporation Ltd (LIDKAR), a state-owned establishment that sells leather products, we contested this and fought to ensure Karnataka's artisans were not left out. I'm proud to say we succeeded. The GI tag was finally granted jointly to four districts each in Karnataka and Maharashtra. This was never about a contest between the two states but about preserving our shared heritage and giving our artisans the legal recognition they deserve," he said.
The Minister expressed that this Prada episode is a reminder that the GI tag recognition alone isn't enough and stressed the importance of Cultural entrepreneurship.
"We need to invest in skilling, branding, design innovation, and global market access for these artisans. They don't just deserve credit, they deserve better prices, wider exposure, and the chance to build lasting, dignified livelihoods from their craft," he said.
When international fashion houses adopt our designs, the names, work, and legacy of our artisans should be showcased, not sidelined, said Priyank Kharge.
"The GI tag only gives them legal rights. It's now our responsibility to give them global platforms," he added.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Eight members suspended from Lok Sabha for 'unruly behaviour'
New Delhi (PTI): Eight Opposition members were suspended from the Lok Sabha on Tuesday for 'unruly behaviour', including for tearing papers and throwing them at the Chair.
As soon as the House met at 3 pm following multiple adjournments, Dilip Saika, who was in the Chair, named the eight Congress members.
Subsequently, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju read out a resolution seeking suspension of the eight members for the remaining period of the Budget session that is scheduled to conclude on April 2.
The House passed the resolution by a voice vote, following which the proceedings were adjourned for the day amid uproar.
Congress members, led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, staged a protest outside Parliament building against suspension of party members from the Lok Sabha.
Since Tuesday afternoon, the House has been witnessing uproar after Gandhi was disallowed to cite an article based on excerpts from an unpublished 'memoir' of former Army chief M M Naravane on India-China conflict of 2020.
LoP Shri @RahulGandhi, Congress General Secretary & MP Smt. @priyankagandhi ji along with other MPs staged a strong protest at Makar Dwar, Parliament against the unjust suspension of eight Congress MPs and the India-US trade agreement.
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 3, 2026
👉This is an attack on parliamentary… pic.twitter.com/aEybMKmI8g
