Analysis | ‘Brother-sister’ narrative at core of BJD’s plan to appropriate Droupadi Murmu’s victory

The regional party is promoting ‘Rakhi brother’ image of Naveen Patnaik.

The bonhomie between Biju Janata Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party over the presidential election has ended following the elevation of Droupadi Murmu to the highest office in India and the estranged allies are ready to slog it out for cornering political space in Odisha.

It seems the regional party has pre-empted by deliberately pushing the narrative of ‘brother-sister’ relationship between Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and the President-elect to usurp the electoral advantage the BJP was hoping to reap in tribal pockets by showcasing victory of Ms. Murmu.

Also read: Presidential polls | Golden era of the Santhals in India, say community leaders

Moments after National Democratic Alliance candidate Ms. Murmu registered a thumping victory, BJD’s Lok Sabha member, Pinaki Misra put out a message on social media, saying, “ Bhai rakhila Rakhi ra mana. Bhauni alankruta kale Rastrapati asana. (The brother has kept the honour of Rakhi. The sister adorned the President’s throne.)”

The BJD MP was trying to send a subtle message that it was Odisha CM, who put his political weight behind candidature of Ms. Murmu, and ensured whole-hearted support for the Ms. Murmu.

Another video purportedly made by BJD shows the clip of Ms, Murmu, who mentioned about her tying Rakhi in hand of Mr. Patnaik, during presidential election campaign in the State.

The video harped on the message, “as a sister, she tied Rakhi and she occupied the highest office by getting backing from brother. Sister receives appropriate gift before being demand for it. This is story of President and Chief Minister ”