Bhubaneswar, April 25 -- Who could have imagined that the humble lungi would take centrestage in the political discourse of Odisha one day? But that is precisely what the preferred home wear of millions in the state and elsewhere in India has done ever since Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik was seen promoting his party and its symbol - 'jodi sankha' (double conch) - ahead of the elections clad in it.

No one knows yet what exactly was the idea behind releasing this promo video/picture of the ruling party head - usually seen in kurta, pyjama and occasionally in jogging tracksuits (whenever questions are raised over his fitness) - wrapped in a lungi on social media? But as soon as the video created a storm in the social media, ...