Graffito portraying the minister as grandfather spring up in Jangipur

Known for his canny political skills, Congress veteran and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee has lost no time in realising that young voters form a crucial chunk in his constituency of Jangipura, from where he is seeking a re-election to the Lok Sabha.

Graffito have sprung up in Jangipur portraying the 74-year-old, Pranabda to many, as “Dadu”.

“Pranab Dadu Ke Vote Din (vote for Grandfather Pranab),” reads the graffiti meant to appeal to the young voter.

“Pranabda seems to have accepted the idea that many of his voters would be like his grandchildren. He has said so on numerous occasions to youths while on campaign trail. The graffito reflect a subtle touch of personal human relationship. He appreciates being called ‘Dadu’ by youngsters,” said Muhammed Ahakruzaman, Congress president of Raghunathpur Block II.

“He is of a different stature here, both on account of his age and respect for him. He very much enjoys a grand dad image,” Ahakruzaman added.

In gram panchayat areas like Kanupur, Chadni Chowk, Ajgarpara, Miapara and Gopalnagar, such graffito have popped up everywhere on walls of local houses and village shops. During Mukherjee’s road shows, it’s common to see youths cheering him as “Dadu”.

“He is a grand old man. He is our Dadu (grandfather). We are too young to see and address him as our elder brother. Such graffito are apt and appealing to young voters like us,” said Sheikh Ramzan, a youth from Kanupur.

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