Controversy deepens over 5T Secretary VK Pandian’s chopper rides

After a series of barbs and accusations over whirlwind tours, controversy has now deepened over 5T Secretary, VK Pandian’s chopper rides to various parts of Odisha. Forget remote areas, VK Pandian has allegedly been using a helicopter to visit from one block to another instead of taking the road.

Questions are now being raised as to how far it is acceptable that the 5T Secretary is making tours just like CM’s programmes with full cavalcade? So far the 5T Secretary has toured around 27 districts in Odisha. Helicopters are being used extensively for these visits to districts as well for movement between blocks.

Even ruling BJD MLA, Soumya Ranjan Patnaik in his editorial had mentioned that around Rs 300 crore is being spent toward 5T Secretary’s visits and chopper rides.

The 5T Secretary is scheduled to attend a number of programmes in Khordha district. Similarly, he would be visiting the places in Begunia and Nachuni in Khordha district reportedly in a helicopter despite the fact that the places are close to Bhubaneswar, barely 25 km away.

Ahead of Pandian’s visit to the district, the middle portion of the Khordha stadium ground was dug up to facilitate the construction of a helipad. However, the work was stopped after protests by the Khordha Cricket Association and other sports lovers. Helipads have been constructed at Begunia and Nachuni.

Bhubaneswar MP, Aparajita Sarangi said, “The Secretary rank officer will visit Begunia and nearby places in a helicopter as a helipad is being created. The jatra to bring grievances is really surprising as Rs 300 crores will be spent. It seems that it is a blow to the respect of the people of Odisha.”

Congress MLA, Suresh Routray said, “Be it Khordha or Begunia, it is really shameful that so much money is being spent on 5T Secretary’s visit to places which are nearby. By all this, CM Naveen Patnaik will be at a loss.”

Not only opposition, but locals are also expressing resentment over misutilisation of the state exchequer by such helicopter rides to places that are very close to Bhubaneswar.

Responding to the allegations, BJD MLA  Ashok Bal said “Going in a car, bike or helicopter all such things do not matter as out of frustration they see everything in a negative way as they know that they cannot come to power.”

Though an RTI query was made seeking details on the exact expenses being incurred on 5T Secretary’s district visits, no information is reportedly available with the state Commerce and Transport Department.

Recently, 5T Secretary, VK Pandian was attacked with ink in Puri’s Satyabadi and now he is in the firing line of the opposition for the chopper rides.