The political environment in Odisha gets heated over the 'Lungi versus Dhoti' debate amidst the general elections. The controversy ignited when Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan targeted Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who appeared in a video message wearing a lungi. Leaders from BJP claimed that dhoti, not lungi, represents Odisha’s culture. In response, BJD highlighted the significance of the lungi and its role in benefitting the weavers of Sambalpur.
Specifically, Naveen Patnaik appealed for votes for his party's symbol, the conch shell, through a video message while clad in a red lungi and white shirt, which was released by BJD on Monday night. Pradhan, in a Tuesday rally in Jharsuguda's Laikera, mocked Patnaik's attire.
Dharmendra Pradhan Mocks CM's Attire
Responding to the viral speech on social media, BJD spokespeople Sasmit Patra and Swayam Prakash Mahapatra, dressed in lungis themselves, addressed a press conference on Tuesday highlighting the critical role of lungi promotion in supporting weavers of Sambalpur. The following day, Wednesday, Pradhan visited Athmallik of the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency in dhoti and kurta during his campaign.
BJP Claims Dhoti Symbolizes Odishan Culture
Pradhan expressed, "I have been blessed by the presiding deity of Athmallik, Goddess Maheshwari. The locals hold deep reverence for the mother, and I pray to the almighty Goddess Maa Maheshwari to fulfill everyone's wishes." Following this, he also posted a photo of himself clad in dhoti and kurta. When questioned about the CM's attire, he suggested before reporters, "It would have been better if he had worn a dhoti instead of a lungi."
Other BJP leaders argued on social media that the dhoti, not the lungi, is representative of Odishan culture. Former BJP State President Samir Mohanty shared three pictures of Pradhan in dhoti and kurta, tweeting, "In Odisha's Lord Jagannath culture, we wear dhoti, not lungi. The dhoti is a symbol of Odia pride, identity, and culture."
