Pandian, Patnaik’s close aide, quits active politics

Bhubaneswar: Exactly six months and 13 days after joining politics, former bureaucrat V K Pandian on Sunday announced his withdrawal from active politics and said he would keep Odisha in the core of his heart and Guru Naveen Babu in his breath.

In a video message, Pandian said his only intention to join politics was to assist Naveen Patnaik, which is why he did not contest in the 2024 elections.He also apologised to the people and BJD leaders and workers if they held him responsible for the electoral loss.

“My intent in joining politics was only to assist Naveen Babu, and now I consciously decide to withdraw from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone on this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me played a part in BJD’s loss,” Pandian said.

During the campaign, Pandian had asserted that he would quit politics if party president Naveen did not become the chief minister of Odisha for the sixth consecutive time after the assembly elections. “You (BJP) say there is a BJP wave and a wave for change in Odisha, but I strongly say if the chief minister (Patnaik) does not become CM again, I will take ‘sanyas’ from politics,” Pandian had declared at a rally in Brajrajnagar, Jharsuguda district.

Defending his close aide, BJD president Naveen Patnaik on Saturday termed the ongoing criticisms against Pandian as “unfortunate” and praised him for doing an “excellent job.” Naveen also clarified that Pandian was not his successor.

Announcing his decision, Pandian expressed his apologies to the entire Biju Parivar, including all the workers, and conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the lakhs of BJD members with whom he was associated.“I will always keep Odisha in the core of my heart and my Guru Naveen Babu in my breath and pray to Lord Jagannath for their well-being and prosperity,” Pandian said.

Reflecting on his background, Pandian mentioned that he came from a humble family and a small village, and his childhood dream was to join the IAS and serve the people, which Lord Jagannath made possible.

He also explained that he came to Odisha because his wife is from Kendrapara. “From the day I set foot on the soil of Odisha, I have received immense love and affection from the people… from Dharamgarh to Rourkela to Mayurbhanj to Ganjam. I have tried to work very hard for the people,” he recalled.

Speaking about his entry into the power corridor, Pandian noted that 12 years ago, he joined the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). “It was an honour to work for Naveen Patnaik. The experience and learning I had from him are for a lifetime. His grace, leadership, ethics and above all, his love for the people of Odisha always inspired me,” the former IAS officer said.

Pandian mentioned that Naveen’s expectations from him were to implement his vision for Odisha, which led to successes in health, education, poverty reduction, sports, investment, women empowerment, infrastructure and temple and heritage projects.

“Working for the youth, school and college children gave me great satisfaction,” Pandian said, adding that his own childhood memories of studying in a government school helped him implement the Chief Minister’s vision for school transformation under 5T.

Recalling his efforts during the Covid pandemic, Pandian mentioned how he travelled to almost 30 districts to ensure that the health infrastructure was ready to serve the people.“During this time, we faced two cyclones, and we worked very hard to save every precious life,” he said.

“I left the IAS, taking voluntary retirement, and joined the BJD to assist my mentor, Naveen Patnaik. My only intent was to help him, as anyone would do for their mentor or family. I would like to set straight certain perceptions and narratives,” he stated.

Pandian admitted that it might have been his shortcomings that he was not able to effectively counter some of the political narratives at the right time.

“I reiterate that I came into politics to help my mentor, Naveen Patnaik, ahead of the elections, and I had no desire whatsoever for a political post. Therefore, I was neither a candidate nor holding any post in the BJD,” he said.

Pandian also emphasised, “Till today, the only property I have is what I inherited from my grandparents. I or my immediate family have no other property anywhere in the world. My property statement when I joined the Indian Administrative Service remains the same as it is today after 24 years.” Expressing satisfaction, he concluded by saying that the biggest earning in his lifetime has been the love, affection, and goodwill of Odisha.