Launching a scathing attack on Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and particularly 5T Secretary, VK Pandian, Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi on Monday said that CM Naveen does not have any control over governance in Odisha.
Speaking to reporters after returning from Germany, Sarangi said, “The governance has been cunningly hijacked by a bureaucrat.”
“This particular bureaucrat has managed to bypass BJD MLAs, MPs and ministers to advance his own interests. I never thought that a party built in the name of Biju Patnaik will stoop this low. The BJD has gone politically bankrupt,” she said.
Asked about the Centre’s letter asking the Chief Secretary to take appropriate action against 5T secretary VK Pandian, who allegedly violated the All India Services (Conduct) Rules by appearing in public meetings like a politician, Sarangi said, “I have received information that the State government has not initiated any action against the bureaucrat yet.”
Earlier on Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) questioned why the Odisha Chief Secretary is not replying to the letter issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T).
Addressing a presser, state BJP Spokesperson Satyabrata Panda stated that the Chief Secretary’s absolute silence on the matter indicates that the entire administration is crippled in Odisha.
Panda further alleged that the way the senior BJD leaders are now coming to the defence of the 5T Secretary is very unfortunate.