Chorus for action against 5T Secy grows amid doubts over CM Naveen’s intent

The complaint lodged by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi and Odisha BJP Chief Manmohan Samal with the Centre against 5T secretary, VK Pandian and the subsequent letter from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) asking the Odisha government to take necessary action against the ‘erring’ IAS officer, seem to have opened the flood gates of accusations and counter accusations thereby heating up the state politics before the 2024 general election.

The political corridors are abuzz with speculations over what kind of step Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will take against Pandian if any action is taken at all.

In fact, the Congress is cynical saying there is no hope of action at all as the 5T secretary enjoys enormous power in the State. The Congress even went on to allege that the Centre too will not take any action as both the BJD and BJP support each other.

“The file which will be sent to the Chief Minister will move through his Private Secretary, VK Pandian. So, I do not have any hope of that file's return from the Chief Minister’s Office,” said Congress leader, Bijay Patnaik.

“I do not see the Odisha government taking any action against Pandian. However, if the Centre wishes, it can take action too. In that case, they (Centre) will take him on deputation and start disciplinary action against him,” he added.

Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) Chief, Sarat Patnaik said, “If the BJP really wants to take action against Pandian then the Centre should do it right now. But because, both the BJD and BJP are colluding for the next elections, I am apprehensive of any action against the 5T secretary.”

Meanwhile, the BJP has sharpened its voice against the State government demanding the ouster of Pandian. The BJP too doubted if the Chief Secretary and the Chief Minister would take any action against VK Pandian.

Addressing a press conference, Opposition Chief Whip, Mohan Majhi said, “The way 5T Secretary is acting as a super Chief Minister, he should be suspended with immediate effect. If CM Naveen does not take any action, the BJP will put forth its demand before the Centre to take action against him.”

Responding on the matter, the BJD advised the saffron party to refrain from leveling allegations and to reach out to people instead. Speaking to the reporters, Food Supplies Minister & BJD leader, Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak said, “Not only the 5T Secretary but the Chief Secretary too goes to the people. Even all the Ministers have been directed by the CM to reach out to the people. We are nearer to the public on ground zero while the Opposition is running from Delhi to Daulatabad carrying complaints which the people won’t listen.”

It is pertinent to mention here that both the State and the Centre can take action against an IAS officer as per the All India Services (Conduct) Rule. However, it remains to be seen if any action is taken against the 5T secretary against whom allegations of conducting public meetings and announcing sops by bypassing public representatives have surfaced in Odisha.