VK Pandian got 72 personal security guards? Govt seeks answers in Odisha Assembly

A major political flashpoint erupted in the Odisha Assembly on Friday after Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan raised serious questions over the massive security cover once provided to former 5T Chairman V.K. Pandian during the BJD government.

Although the Minister did not mention Pandian by name, the reference was unmistakably clear.

During the adjournment motion discussion, Harichandan revealed that 72 police personnel were deployed exclusively for the security of one individual during the previous regime. He asked the BJD members to explain why such an unusually high number of officers were diverted for personal protection when the state had numerous law-and-order responsibilities.

The Minister alleged that during the said individual’s extensive district visits, officers from various police stations, including inspectors and station in-charges, were pulled out of their regular duties and attached to his convoy. This, he said, resulted in police stations being left understaffed and routine public service operations suffering.

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“Why were entire police stations emptied just to accompany one babu?” he asked sharply.

Harichandan contrasted this with the current situation, stating that even the present Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, does not require such a large security contingent. He questioned the rationale behind granting an officer such unprecedented protection, asking the opposition legislators to respond.

The comments sparked reactions across the House, with the ruling party insisting that excessive misuse of state resources under the previous administration needs to be brought to light.

BJD members, however, objected to the Minister’s remarks and defended the earlier security decisions as ‘protocol-based’.
With the Assembly witnessing heated exchanges, the issue has once again intensified political debate over VK Pandian’s role, influence and privileges during the previous BJD government.