VK Pandian, a close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and former IAS officer, joined BJD on Monday in the presence of Patnaik and other senior party leaders. BJD’s decision to include Pandian in the party on Kartik Purnima, considered an auspicious day in Odisha, holds great political significance. Although Odisha While the role and position of Pandian, who wields huge influence in the power corridors of BJD, is not yet clear, according to BJD insiders his role will be crucial in designing the party’s campaign plan and candidate selection ahead of the upcoming assembly and general elections.
Tamil Nadu-born Pandian is likely to be given a post in the Biju Janata Dal, succeeding Patnaik, who has been the president of the ruling party since its foundation on December 26, 1997. Senior BJD leader and party leader in Lok Sabha Pinaki Mishra said Pandian touched Patnaik’s feet and sought his blessings before formally joining the party at 10.15 am. The CM asked Pandian to work for the party and the state in the same way as he had worked with him as his (personal secretary) for the last 13-14 years. And further the CM said that his previous administrative and political experience will be beneficial for the party.
Let us tell you that Pandian started his career as Sub-Collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district in 2002 and then was posted as Collector of Mayurbhanj district in 2005. Later, he was appointed as the Collector of Ganjam in 2007. During his tenure in Ganjam, Pandian came close to the CM and served as his personal secretary since 2011. Apart from being the private secretary to the Chief Minister, Patnaik also gave him the additional responsibility of ‘5T Secretary’ in 2019 to implement some transformational initiatives in government departments.