Odisha: ‘What son can’t, disciple can,’ BJD leader hints at Pandian’s upcoming role in the party

Former Bureaucrat VK Pandian is a true disciple of Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, claimed a senior BJD leader, hinting at Pandian’s upcoming role as the state gears up for the assembly elections next year. 

BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das, considered number two in the party, described Pandian as the true-disciple of CM Naveen Patnaik. Addressing a function in Jajpur district, Das said that Pandian has played a key role in turning Patnaik's vision and thoughts into reality.

"What a son can't do, a disciple can. Pandian...you are a true disciple of our chief minister. I thank you for what you have done for Odisha, Shri Jagannath Temple and Jajpur," Das, the Jajpur MLA, said.

A senior BJD leader claimed that Das’ statement suggests that the chief minister is all set to induct Pandian in the party very soon, reported news agency PTI. "Das's statement indicates that the BJD has already accepted Pandian and the party just waits for Patnaik's final word to induct him. He will be given a major role to play in the next year's assembly and Lok Sabha elections," said the BJP leader. 

Pandian accorded cabinet minister status within a day of retirement 

VK Pandian was appointed as the chairman of 5T with the status of cabinet minister, just a day after he sought voluntary retirement from government service. Pandian, a 2000 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre, had applied for voluntary retirement on October 20 and got the approval on October 23. 

The chief minister appointed Pandian as the chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha programmes within hours after his voluntary retirement proposal was accepted. The opposition BJP and Congress on Tuesday expressed surprise over the speed at which Pandian's VRS was accepted and his appointment as chairman of 5T (Transformational Initiatives). Till now, Pandian has been serving as Naveen Patnaik’s private secretary. 

(With PTI inputs)