VK Pandian Quits Politics:
Prior to Narendra Modi’s third swearing-in as Prime Minister in Delhi, a significant political shakeup occurred in Odisha. VK Pandian, a prominent figure in the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, has declared his exit from the political arena.
Following the BJD’s overwhelming defeat in both the national and state elections, questions arose about VK Pandian’s political prospects. The announcement of his retirement from politics on Sunday, June 9, caught many off guard. This move came amidst heightened speculation about his future, especially in the wake of Naveen Patnaik’s recent comments regarding his potential successor.
There had been widespread speculation and discussions within Odisha’s political circles that VK Pandian might succeed Naveen Patnaik. However, on June 8, Naveen Patnaik addressed the issue of his successor in an interview with the Press Trust of India (PTI). He stated that the decision on his successor would be left to the people of Odisha. Patnaik also mentioned that Pandian’s criticism of the party was unfortunate, considering he had never held a party post nor contested in any elections, despite his ten years of service in various capacities.
Despite the BJP’s campaign efforts to portray VK Pandian as an outsider being imposed on the people of Odisha during the elections, Naveen Patnaik commended Pandian for his dedication and contributions. He acknowledged Pandian’s significant work during crises such as cyclones and the Covid-19 pandemic, and praised his loyalty and integrity, emphasizing that Pandian should be recognized for his service.
