Tag: Vk Pandian

BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik defended VK Pandian against a national media report. Using his X handle, Patnaik called the claims that Pandian sought an appointment with Amit Shah false and malicious.

Following the BJD's significant loss in the 2024 General Elections, VK Pandian is still seen as a central figure despite his retirement from active politics. Political analysts suggest that internal party dynamics and overconfidence led to their defeat, with continued delays in reviewing the election results.

"The entire administrative system turned into a 'Police Raj' system. Those who were opposing and not bowing down were facing police action, Vigilance raids and getting harassed."

BJP leader Arindam Roy claims VK Pandian's announcement of retiring from active politics is misleading, suggesting Pandian may still participate in by-elections or other political activities from behind the scenes.

VK Pandian, once influential during the BJD regime, retired from politics following the party's significant electoral defeat. Post-retirement, security measures at his Bhubaneswar residence were removed, including barricades and round-the-clock guards. Pandian also faced accusations of misusing power without holding key positions.

VK Pandian, once a significant figure in Odisha's politics supported by Naveen Patnaik, has declared his withdrawal from active politics after a brief 195-day career marked by controversy and electoral defeat. Despite his past influence, his future in politics appears dim as he navigates challenges from an incoming BJP government.

Patnaik reiterated that the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are his family and he will continue to serve them in whichever way he can.

Sujata R. Karthikeyan, Special Secretary of Odisha's Finance Department and wife of BJD leader VK Pandian, has taken a six-month Child Care Leave to assist her daughter with exam preparations. This decision comes amidst controversy surrounding her husband’s disappearance post-BJD's election loss.

As per sources, Pandian is staying at a 5-star hotel in Delhi. He reportedly boarded a flight to Delhi last night, sources said. Soon after the reports, a purported video of Pandian at Delhi airport and images of him on a flight also surfaced. 

Some leaders and critics were of the view that it was due to the IAS officer-turned-politician, that the ruling BJD lost the trust of the people. Prior to and during the elections, Pandian was making statements on issues by calling national and local media persons.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clarified that VK Pandian is not his successor, aiming to quell rumors and manage the damage this speculation caused to BJD's election prospects. Despite the announcement, skepticism remains among voters as BJD faces significant challenges in the ongoing elections.

In response to Patnaik’s statement on Pandian, the state unit of the BJP slammed the CM and the ruling party.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik clarified in an interview that VK Pandian is not his successor, stating that the people of Odisha will decide on his future successor.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a direct attack on BJD leader VK Pandian. Taking to his X handle, Sarma uploaded a video in which Pandian was seen trying to control a shaking hand of the Chief Minister while the latter was addressing a meeting.  

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi refutes CM Naveen Patnaik's allegations that she stalled the Lingaraj temple project, claiming the accusations are baseless and supported by a false narrative. Meanwhile, BJP Vice-President Baijayant Panda alleges the CM's recent criticisms are AI-generated DeepFake videos, questioning their authenticity and urging media scrutiny.