Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday demanded immediate expulsion of VK Pandian as Odisha 5T chairman.
As per the saffron party, Pandian has been enlisted as the number one officer on the website of the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). However, he is participating in all the party meetings, distributing tickets among the candidates and managing the party affairs, the BJP alleged.
The Opposition party in the State questioned whether Pandian is a BJD leader or an officer. The party has sought clarification from the State government whether BJD leader Pandian can remain in the list of the officers when the model code of conduct for the upcoming 2024 General Elections has already been announced.
The party has also sought an answer from the Chief Secretary in this regard.
“We are utterly surprised that Pandian’s name is still there in the list of officers on the CMO website? When he is still in the officers’ list, will he be able to take part in BJD’s meetings, distribute tickets among the candidates and manage the party affairs as the model code of conduct is effective?" BJP spokesperson Anil Biswal questioned.
“Under similar circumstances, emergency was announced in the country. Same kind of situation has happened in Odisha. I feel election of CM Naveen Patnaik and BJD will be challenged in the court in future. We request the Chief Secretary of Odisha for immediate expulsion of the 5T Chairman,” he added.
No comment in response to the BJP’s allegations could be obtained from the ruling BJD.