Confirming this, state Khadi and Village Industries Board chairman Jainandu told UNI in Ranchi on Tuesday that Mr Munda had expressed interest because he wanted to popularise Khadi and silk products.

"There was no such proposal from the organisers, the chief minister himself said he was ready to walk the ramp to popularise the products," he said.

"Though it has not been finalised yet, Mr Munda is likely to take part in the show on January 24 during the Paridhan Utsav of the exhibition," Mr Jainandu said.

The organisers and participants of the exhibition have said if a young chief minister like Mr Munda advocates the use of Khadi and silk, it would definitely send a positive signal and increase the popularity of the products.

Several states including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Bihar are participating in the exhibition, which started on January 15 and is scheduled to run till January 30.