Bhubaneswar: On this holy Kartik Purnima people across the state are reliving Odisha’s ancient maritime glory by floating miniature boats in water bodies across the state, while the rank and file of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) are exuberated over 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman and former IAS officer VK Pandian formally joining the party.
Ever since Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik formally inducted Pandian into the party on Monday morning, leaders as well as the cadres of the party appear to be excited and enthused. They are of the firm belief that the BJD’s prospects in the ensuing general elections in 2024 have brightened with Pandian joining the party. At the same time, they are of the view that Pandian will use his long years of administrative experience, and working closely with the Chief Minister in the CMO will reinforce Odisha’s efforts to surge ahead.
Talking to the media, senior BJD leader Sasmit Patra said, “Pandian is not only an efficient administrator but also a very humble and sensitive person. His style of working is very different and this was proved in the manner he conceived and implemented the 5T policy. He is also hardworking and dedicated. Do you know he wakes up at 4.00 am daily and starts working?”
“Pandian’s joining the BJD will strengthen the party and facilitate the realisation of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s vision for the state and its people. We are all happy and excited,” Patra added.
BJD organisational secretary Pranab Prakash Das (Bobby Das) described Pandian as a man who is dedicated to Odisha and its people. “He is also loyal and devoted to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pandian has been working for Odisha’s uplift as well as upholding the Chief Minister’s image and dignity. His joining the BJD will take the party several steps forward,” Das said.
Another senior BJD leader Samir Dash said, “Pandian has over 22 years of administrative experience and of these, he has worked closely with the Chief Minister for 18 years. We all are certain that he will help both the BJD and Odisha’s growth. Pandian’s entry into the party will strengthen the BJD and enable us to achieve our target of winning 130 Assembly seats in the 2024 elections.”
Odisha Finance Minister and senior BJD leader Bikram Keshari Arukha said, “VK Pandian joining the party is great news. I congratulate him. It will strengthen the BJD and help to usher in a nabakalebara (renaissance) in Odisha and BJD.”
Senior BJD leader and MP Pinaki Mishra said, “Pandian joined the party at 10.15 am on Monday with the blessings of the Chief Minister and party president Naveen Patnaik. All the party leaders are extremely happy over Pandian formally joining the party.”
Senior BJD leader Sanjay Kumar Das Burma stated that it was a very significant day for the BJD as Pandian joined the primary membership of the party on the auspicious Kartik Purnima. While Congratulating Pandian on behalf of the party, Das noted that Pandian has made significant contributions to the development of the state for a decade.
What impressed the BJD leaders and workers alike was that soon after joining the party at Naveen Niwas, Pandian went to the party headquarters Shankha Bhawan, met all party leaders, sought their support, and participated in a blood donation camp.
“His dedication towards the BJD and the people of Odisha is reflected in his eagerness to work for them right from the moment he joined the party. No doubt, he will be instrumental in creating a successful Nabin Odisha,” BJD leader Snehangini Chhuria said.
