Rahul Gandhi Launches Congress Campaign in Odisha with New Acronym

Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party, initiated the party’s campaign at a large gathering in Salipur, located in the Kendrapara parliamentary constituency of Odisha. During his address, Gandhi introduced a new acronym, PANN, aimed at criticizing both the BJD and BJP.

Gandhi highlighted the close relationship between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha, referring to it as a marriage or partnership. He expressed his belief that this alliance has not been beneficial for the people of Odisha, symbolized by the term “PANN”.

The acronym PANN, as elucidated by Gandhi, stands for VK Pandian, Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. This acronym serves as a pointed commentary on the familiar cultural reference of ‘paan’ (betel leaves chewed with areca nuts) in Odisha.

Gandhi accused the BJP and BJD of corruption, citing instances such as the mining scam, land acquisition controversies, and plantation scandals. He pledged to rectify these issues and return the misappropriated funds once the Congress assumes power in the state and at the national level.

Comparison with Telangana and Promises to Odisha

Drawing parallels with Telangana, Gandhi underscored the role of the Congress as the true opposition party. He emphasized how the Congress in Telangana exposed the collusion between BJP and BRS. Gandhi attributed the Congress’s electoral success in Telangana to its welfare policies, particularly direct financial assistance to the poor.

Gandhi cited the Congress’s performance in Karnataka and Telangana as examples, promising similar initiatives for Odisha if his party comes to power. These pledges include financial assistance to women, youth, subsidized gas cylinders, electricity subsidies, and increased support prices for agricultural produce.

Challenges and Outlook for Congress in Odisha

Despite Gandhi’s efforts, the BJD and BJP dismissed his campaign as insignificant for the state. Given the historical dominance of BJD and BJP in Odisha and their perceived closeness, there are doubts about the potential for Congress to regain its former prominence in the state, where it held power 25 years ago.