Former chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, who was once considered a powerful figure in the Naveen Patnaik dispensation, has levelled a series of allegations against VK Pandian who retired from active politics after BJD's debacle in the recently concluded elections.
While allegedly opening Pandora's box, the 1976-batch IAS officer today said that the recent general election in Odisha was a fight against the ruling BJD's misgovernance, corruption, anarchy, and the atmosphere of fear in the state.
'5T Initiative Ruined Administrative System in Odisha'
"As a former administrator, I would like to say that the administration should always be devoid of biases. When we work as a bureaucrat, we should never have any inclination towards any political party. After the introduction of 5T in Odisha under the supervision of Pandian, it was witnessed that the administrative machinery no longer worked the way it should be," said Patnaik, adding that even though the State Chief Secretary is the head of this administration, he couldn’t utilise his position, was sidelined and power was given to a handful of people.
'Officers Bowed Down to VK Pandian'
"Several good officers were sidelined while those who bowed down to VK Pandian were bestowed with more responsibilities. Besides, many officers remained in their positions and continued even after retirement. Importance was also given to some people against whom there were legal cases. Due to this system, the administrative system lost its efficiency and it further led to widespread corruption which people couldn't tolerate," alleged the former Chief Secretary.
'Police Raj in Odisha'
The entire administrative system turned into a 'Police Raj' system. Those who were opposing and not bowing down to VK Pandian were facing police action, Vigilance raids and getting harassed, alleged Patnaik stating that it was a very dangerous system but Lord Jagannath finally put a full-stop by changing the government in Odisha.
No comment could be obtained from VK Pandian or the BJD over the allegations of Bijay Kumar Patnaik.