Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman and former IAS officer VK Pandian on Tuesday joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). This was announced by party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after a meeting of the party’s senior leaders held at Naveen Niwas today morning.
Welcoming Pandian into the party, Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik said, “For a number of years Pandian has been working hard for the people of Odisha and he will continue to do so in the future as a member of the party.
After joining the party, Pandian said, “With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and under the guidance of the Chief Minister, I will work for the people of the state with sincerity, dedication, and in a humble manner.”
Pandian also sought the cooperation of all party leaders.
A 2000-batch IAS officer, Pandian was earlier working as the Private Secretary (5T) to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and took voluntary retirement from government service on October 23, 2023. On the next day, the Chief Minister appointed Pandian as the Chairman, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha.
Pandian’s decision to join the BJD assumes significance ahead of the 2024 general elections. It comes at a time when the BJD has initiated a move to reinvigorate the party organisation in various constituencies.
Pandian will pay a visit to the Taratarini Shrine in Ganjam district today and take the blessings of the Goddess. He is scheduled to reach Taratarini in the afternoon and have the darshan of the deity.
