Odisha MLA says VK Pandian's decision good for development; BJP terms it shallow praise for ticket 

Odisha Chief Minister’s man Friday, VK Pandian taking voluntary retirement has increased the political temperature in Odisha by a few notches with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and arch-rival, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) exchanging barbs. 

While replying to the queries of journalists, BJD MLA Prafulla Samal on Thursday said, “VK Pandian has earned accolades as a district Collector and has successfully discharged all responsibilities entrusted upon him. If Ganjam district stood first in the country in NREGS work, it was due to his efforts.”

“Because he has been discharging responsibilities the Chief Minister is giving to him, he has become the CM’s most faithful person and proved himself as a capable administrator. His full-time contribution is presently required for the development of Odisha,” he added. 

While training its guns at the BJD leaders, the BJP said they are heaping praises on VK Pandian in the hope of getting a ticket. 

“The BJD as well as the people working for the party are incompetent. If they were competent, they wouldn’t resort to speaking such things. The fact is that they are praising him with an aim to get a ticket,” said state BJP Vice President, Golak Mohapatra.

On the other hand, the state unit of the grand old party said an outsider can never be allowed to rule Odisha. 

“Can the Odia people just sit and watch someone from another state ruling us? It won’t be allowed and it is not possible as well. They who are doing politics for their own interests are telling such things,” said Odisha Congress chief, Sarat Pattanayak. 

According to political analysts, the BJD leaders are praising VK Pandian out of fear. 

“I can’t say how much respect they (BJD leaders) have for him (VK Pandian). But, one thing is sure they are afraid of him. It is a transit period. If he is not pleased, then getting a ticket will be difficult. They are showing such loyalty because they don’t want to take risks and are trying to become accustomed to the new system,” observed Prasanna Mohanty, a political analyst.