After resigning from the Indian Administrative Service, former IAS of Orissa VK Pandian is going to start his political career. VK Pandian has joined BJD in Bhubaneswar. Due to which discussions have intensified in political circles. Before voluntary retirement, VK Pandian was working as private secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
After his resignation was accepted in the month of October, VK Pandian was appointed to the post of Chairman of 5T (Transformation Initiative) and New Odisha Scheme of the state government. VK Pandian joined BJD in Bhubaneswar on Monday morning. During this time, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik was also present, he was inducted into the party at his residence.
#WATCH | Former IAS officer VK Pandian joins BJD in the presence of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, in Bhubaneswar
(Video source: BJD) pic.twitter.com/RKc43Pk09P
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2023
On joining BJD, party leader Amar Patnaik said that VK Pandian’s arrival will strengthen the party and will also benefit the entire state.
“I think it is excellent for the party, and the state as a whole because he is committed to the development of Odisha,” said BJD MP Amar Patnaik to news agency PTI.
VIDEO | "I think it is excellent for the party, and the state as a whole because he is committed to the development of Odisha," says BJD MP Amar Patnaik on former IAS officer VK Pandian joining the party. pic.twitter.com/D0tj6orOzQ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 27, 2023
Pandian, of the 2000 batch, started his career in 2002 as sub-collector of Dharamgarh in Kalahandi district. In 2005, he was appointed Collector of Mayurbhanj District. In 2007, he was made the Collector of Ganjam. It was during his appointment in Ganjam that he became close to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Let us tell you, Patnaik is originally from Ganjam district.
In 2019, Pandian was given the responsibility of 5T Secretary to implement new initiatives in government departments. BJP and Congress had protested against this and asked him to resign from the post and officially join BJD. During this period, Pandian made several tours across the state and held 190 meetings to listen to the grievances of the public.