10th June 2024- VK Pandian, a key aide to BJD chief Naveen Patnaik, announced his decision to quit active politics on Sunday. This announcement comes just days after the BJD suffered a significant loss in the Odisha Assembly elections, where their seat tally dropped from 112 in 2019 to 51, allowing the BJP to gain power.
Pandian, who had joined the Odisha Chief Minister’s Office 12 years ago, expressed it was an “honour” to have worked for Patnaik. Before the elections, the BJP had accused Pandian of exerting control over Patnaik, and he was seen as Patnaik’s potential heir.
In a video message, Pandian, who joined the BJD after leaving the civil service last November, said I am sorry if I hurt someone in this process and reminisced about his journey from a humble family and a small village, highlighting his childhood dream of joining the IAS to serve the people. He expressed gratitude for the love and affection he received from the people of Odisha and emphasized his dedication to working hard for them.
“The biggest earning in my lifetime has been the love and affection and goodwill of the people of Odisha,” he said emotionally. Pandian had previously stated that he would quit politics if the BJD lost the election, a promise he has now fulfilled.
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