VK Pandian

1. VK Pandian, former Odisha bureaucrat and ex-private secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has officially joined the ruling BJD.
2. The formal induction ceremony occurred at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar, attended by Chief Minister Patnaik and other prominent party leaders.
3. Pandian’s move holds significance ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, strengthening BJD’s organizational units for continued success.

Bhubaneswar, Nov 27: VK Pandian, the former Odisha bureaucrat who served as the private secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, officially joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD), putting an end to days of speculation.

The formal induction ceremony took place at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar, where Chief Minister Patnaik and other prominent party leaders were present.

This development follows VK Pandian’s voluntary retirement from the Indian Civil Services on October 23, a move approved by the Centre. Immediately after retirement, he assumed the role of 5T Chairman (Transformational Initiatives) with the rank of Cabinet Minister.

VK Pandian’s entry into the BJD is considered significant, particularly in the context of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls next year. The party is strategically strengthening its organizational units in various constituencies as it aims to maintain its winning streak. Pandian, in preparation for his new political role, had attended meetings in all districts of Odisha to review developmental projects.

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A seasoned 2000-batch IAS officer, Pandian started his career as a Dharmagarh sub-collector and later served as the collector of various districts. Joining the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in 2011, he held the position of private secretary to the Chief Minister for the past 12 years.

During his tenure as the 5T Secretary and Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, VK Pandian faced criticism from the Opposition, accused of engaging in politics while still in civil service. Earlier this year, he drew scrutiny for extensive tours and addressing large public meetings in several districts of the state.

As VK Pandian formally joins the BJD, his wealth of administrative experience and insights gained during his bureaucratic career are expected to contribute significantly to the party’s strategies and policies. His move into active politics is a reflection of the evolving dynamics in Odisha’s political landscape, where administrative leaders transition into political roles to contribute to the state’s development and progress.