Days after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) experienced a significant defeat in both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha, V K Pandian, a key aide to BJD chief and former IAS officer Naveen Patnaik, announced his retirement from active politics.
V K Pandian, who left the civil service and joined the BJD in November last year, shared his decision in a video message. In it, he reflected on his humble beginnings in a small village and his lifelong dream of joining the IAS to serve the people. “From the day I set foot in the soil of Odisha, I have received immense love and affection from the people of Odisha,” he said, emphasising his dedication to working hard for the state’s citizens.
Acknowledging his tenure under Naveen Patnaik, Pandian expressed his honour in working with the veteran leader, who, had the BJD returned to power, would have become the country’s longest-serving Chief Minister. “The experience and learning I got is for a lifetime. His grace, leadership, ethics and above all, the love for the people of Odisha always inspired me,” Pandian noted. He also highlighted their achievements in health, education, poverty reduction, ports, investment, women empowerment, infrastructure, and heritage projects, crediting Patnaik’s vision.
VK Pandian clarified his intentions for entering politics, stating, “My only intent was to help him, as anyone would do for his mentor and family.” He admitted shortcomings in countering certain political narratives and stressed his lack of ambition for any specific political post or power, reaffirming that he neither sought candidacy nor held any official position within the BJD.
The perception of Pandian as an “outsider” with significant influence in both the BJD and Odisha’s administrative circles was a key factor in the party’s electoral losses.
The BJP’s campaign exacerbated this perception, contributing to the BJD’s poor performance. The party, which won 12 Lok Sabha seats in 2019, failed to secure any this time, and its Assembly seat count dropped from 112 to 51, facilitating the BJP’s rise to power. Speculation about Pandian being groomed as Patnaik’s political heir was dismissed by Patnaik himself.
Reflecting on his 12 years of dedicated work, Pandian stated, “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.” He expressed regret if the negative campaign against him contributed to the BJD’s defeat and apologized to the entire Biju parivar, thanking its members for their support.
In conclusion, Pandian expressed his continued prayers for Odisha’s prosperity and his respect for Naveen Patnaik. Patnaik, defending Pandian against post-election criticism, reaffirmed that the choice of his successor lies with the people of Odisha, not with Pandian.
