VK Pandian, a close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has resigned from active politics after the party’s defeat in the recent assembly elections. Pandian, who had joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) ahead of the polls, expressed regret if he had hurt anyone during his political journey. The announcement comes a day after Patnaik praised Pandian’s contributions and dismissed criticism against him for the party’s performance in the elections.
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo Naveen Patnaik has defended his close aide VK Pandian against criticism following the party’s defeat in recent state assembly polls. Patnaik asserted that Pandian is a person of integrity and honesty, acknowledging his contributions during challenging situations such as cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic. He also dismissed speculation about Pandian being his successor, stating that the people of Odisha will decide who will take over that role.
The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has dismissed criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president J. P. Nadda and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, saying their attacks will have no impact on the electoral outcome in Odisha. BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra dismissed Gandhi’s visit to the state, saying it will not affect the Congress’s electoral fortunes. The party also criticized Nadda’s inclusion of charge-sheeted criminal Pradeep Panigrahi in BJP’s campaign, expressing shock and dismay at the move.
