5T secretary Pandian’s Nayagarh visit prompts condemnation, protest

Odisha 5T Secretary VK Pandian’s visit to Nayagarh district on Thursday has prompted condemnation and protest from BJP activists as he was welcomed with ‘Go Back’ slogans in Ranapur and Daspalla.

Members of the BJP youth wing braved the heavy downpour and protested against Pandian while he was on his way to offer prayers at Jagannath Temple in Ranapur. Wearing black badges, the activists slammed the 5T secretary for making political visits ahead of the General Election.

“Odisha is being ruled by a party for the last 25 years. When the Chief Minister or a minister should have visited districts and understood the problems of people, an IAS officer is touring across Odisha and singing the songs of a party,” said a BJP leader.

“As the secretary is on his visit, Ranapur residents have been house arrested. The representatives of people who were elected by us are made slaves while Pandian is enjoying his life as a kingmaker. This apart, the police have also forgotten their duty and working as per the orders of the ruling party. So, it is not wrong to say that Odisha is being ruled by a Tamilian,” he added.

Earlier, Pandian had faced protests during his visit to Sambalpur, Rairakhol and Deogarh.

Worth mentioning, the Opposition BJP and the Congress have been mounting their attacks on the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over the 5T secretary’s whirlwind visits to districts.