VK Pandian only a manager, not a leader: BJD’s Sambit Routray

Senior BJD leader Sambit Routray on Sunday asserted that VK Pandian, the former 5T Chairman is not a leader but a manager. Routray admitted that a few BJD leaders have a certain soft corner for Pandian, but confessed that he has never accepted him as a leader. 

He further stated that Naveen is the only leader of BJD and Pandian was and will always only remain a manager.

Routray said, “Pandian used to convey Naveen Patnaik’s instructions to party leaders and, therefore, he could be described as a good manager.”

Meanwhile, dismissing speculation about internal rifts, Routray said there is no leadership crisis within the party. He also rejected claims of groupism and asserted that no one can hijack the BJD. He said that the party has Naveen Patnaik’s soldiers to safeguard it.

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"As long as there is Naveen Patnaik, there will be no groupism. We are his strong soldiers. Nobody will be able to hijack the party. The party has been strong and it will function as per the decision of the president," said Sambit Routray.

"We consider Naveen Patnaik as our only leader. When there was BJD government, Pandian was acting like a manager. We have soft corner for him as he was serving Naveen Patnaik. We have never considered Pandian as our leader. He is a good manager. Whatever order Naveen babu gave, Pandian only executed it," he added.