VK Pandian Retires from Politics After BJD’s Crushing Defeat in Odisha Elections

Bhubaneswar: VK Pandian, the former bureaucrat who joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) only seven months ago, announced his retirement from active politics following the party’s significant defeat in the recent Odisha elections. The announcement came via a video message on his Instagram account, where Pandian expressed his regret and apologized to the BJD workers and supporters, referred to as the ‘Biju Parivar’.

“My intent of joining politics was solely to assist Naveen Babu. I am consciously withdrawing from active politics. I apologize if I have hurt anyone during this journey or contributed to BJD’s loss,” said Pandian. He stressed his enduring love for Odisha and respect for Naveen Patnaik, stating he would always pray for their well-being and prosperity.

 

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The BJD faced a humiliating defeat, losing all its seats in the Lok Sabha elections and seeing its Vidhan Sabha representation plummet from 112 seats in 2019 to just 51. This defeat ended Naveen Patnaik’s 24-year tenure as the state’s Chief Minister.

Pandian had previously vowed to leave politics if Patnaik did not secure a sixth term as Chief Minister. “If the Chief Minister does not return, I will take sanyas from politics,” he had declared at a rally in Jharsuguda district.

On Saturday, BJD president Naveen Patnaik defended Pandian, calling the criticisms against him “unfortunate” and praising his excellent work. Patnaik reiterated that Pandian was not his successor, adding that the people of Odisha would decide the future leadership.

Pandian had joined the BJD on November 27, 2023, shortly after voluntarily retiring from the All India Civil Services.