What is “pannas khokhe” and how could it influence the Maharashtra Assembly elections?
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan stated at the 2024 India Today Mumbai Conclave that “pannas khokhe” could play a significant role in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections. This phrase holds deep meaning for the people of the state. It was popularized by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray. “Pannas” translates to 50, and “khokhe” means box, but in local slang, it is a stand-in for “crore.”
Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders used this phrase as a sharp jab at the 40 MLAs who defected from the party under Chief Minister Eknath Shinde’s leadership in 2022. Chavan highlighted that the “pannas khokhe,” referring to the Rs 50 crore allegedly given to each MLA for switching sides, would be a critical issue in their constituencies.
“The Rs 50 crore that was given to each MLA to switch parties will become an issue during the election,” Chavan said. He emphasized that the corruption and defection had created a significant discontent among voters.
This will be the first time the state is voting for its government again since the last elections, and numerous factors may influence the outcomes. Chavan asserted, “Politics has sunk to a level where MLAs are being bought like vegetables in the market.”
In 2023, Maharashtra Police even registered a case against a Marathi rapper for using “pannas khokhe” in his song, illustrating the phrase’s growing prominence in the political discourse.
As Maharashtra approaches the 2024 Assembly elections, the phrase “pannas khokhe” could be turned into a significant issue and may influence voter decisions. While it was a topic during the Lok Sabha elections, MLAs now face more scrutiny from voters as they campaign while tainted by the “pannas khokhe” image.
