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.
India faces a packed day with significant political, legal, cultural, and sports events. The Lok Sabha elections conclude on Saturday with the seventh and final phase, and 42 assembly seats in Odisha go to the polls. Arvind Kejriwal’s interim bail ends, seeking an extension. Prime Minister Modi’s three-day visit to Kanyakumari wraps up, and the Congress-led opposition parties convene in Delhi. Cyclone Asani remains in effect in Assam, while the summer vacation begins in Haryana schools. Valley of Flowers opens to visitors in Uttarakhand, and the IQA hosts its annual World Quizzing Championship.
