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.