Naveen Patnaik Close Aide VK Pandian Gets Cabinet Minister Rank Hours After Taking VRS

In a big development in Odisha politics, VK Pandian, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's trusted private secretary and state's 5T secretary, has been granted the rank of a cabinet minister within the state government amidst growing criticism from the Opposition regarding his frequent public appearances ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.

An official order from Odisha's General Administration and Public Grievance department has designated the seasoned IAS officer as the chairman overseeing the state government's 5T (Transformation Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha scheme. The order explicitly specifies that he will hold the esteemed position of a cabinet minister.

Intriguingly, sources within the ruling BJD had hinted at Pandian's potential affiliation with the party, suggesting that he might assume a more prominent role as the Assembly polls loom on the horizon, according to a report by the news agency PTI.

VK Pandian, an IAS officer belonging to the 2000 batch of the Odisha cadre, initiated his career as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in Kalahandi back in 2002. He went on to serve as the collector of Mayurbhanj in 2005 before assuming the position of collector in Ganjam in 2007. It was during his tenure in Ganjam that he earned the trust and confidence of the Chief Minister, becoming one of his most reliable aides. In 2011, Pandian joined the Chief Minister's Office and was subsequently promoted to the role of Naveen Patnaik's private secretary.

Pandian's ascent as the Chief Minister's most trusted confidant has not been without controversy, attracting criticism from political rivals who have accused him of overstepping his bureaucratic role.

Following the approval of his voluntary retirement request, Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka expressed his belief that Mr. Pandian could potentially ascend to the position of Chief Minister of Odisha before the upcoming elections. In a candid remark, he alluded to the unique power structure in Odisha, where the workings of the state's political landscape are often enigmatic to outsiders.

Senior Congress MLA SS Saluja, while commenting on the development, mentioned that Mr. Pandian should have left public service earlier. He expressed uncertainty about whether Mr. Pandian would venture into politics or return to his home state, but emphasized that if he aligned with the BJD, it could be advantageous for the opposition, particularly the Congress.

On the other hand, BJP chief whip Mohan Majhi suggested that VK Pandian, now free from the bureaucratic constraints, would be able to engage in politics more openly. However, he predicted that the people of Odisha might not readily accept his transition into political life.