In his address at an election rally in Cuttack's Solapur, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi articulated scathing criticisms aimed at both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, highlighting what he perceives as their respective administrations' priorities and allegiances.
Gandhi drew a sharp contrast between the governance styles of Modi and Patnaik, characterizing the former as presiding over a government that primarily serves the interests of the affluent elite from the corridors of power in Delhi. In contrast, he portrayed the latter as leading a regime in Odisha that prioritizes the welfare of a select few within the state.
Seeking to expose what he views as a hidden alliance between the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gandhi asserted that despite their apparent rivalry on the electoral battlefield, the two parties are, in reality, collaborating behind the scenes. He likened their relationship to a partnership or marriage, suggesting a behind-the-scenes alignment of interests.
In a pointed critique directed at Naveen Patnaik, Gandhi questioned the Chief Minister's authority, insinuating that the reins of power in Odisha are effectively controlled by his aide, VK Pandian. This assertion reflects Gandhi's skepticism regarding the autonomy and decision-making capacity of the BJD government under Patnaik's leadership.
Furthermore, Gandhi employed wordplay to underscore his criticism, referencing the acronym "PAANN," which he attributed to the collaboration between Uncle-ji (an apparent reference to Amit Shah), Naveen-babu (referring to Naveen Patnaik), and others, including Pandian and Modi. By invoking this acronym, Gandhi sought to convey the notion that these figures, through their purported alliance, have facilitated the exploitation and depletion of Odisha's resources and wealth to the detriment of its citizens.
Overall, Gandhi's remarks reflect his strategic positioning within the political landscape, aiming to cast doubt on the sincerity of the BJD-BJP rivalry while simultaneously critiquing the leadership style and governance practices of both Modi and Patnaik.
