Who is VK Pandian, the former bureaucrat joining Naveen Patnaik's Biju Janata Dal?
Pandian is a fromer IAS officer. Photo: X
After months of speculations and guessing games, former IAS officer VK Pandian, known to be the private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, formally joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday, November 27, reported India Today.
This report follows Pandian's voluntary retirement from government service and sets the stage for his potential involvement in the upcoming Odisha Assembly elections in June 2024.
#WATCH | Odisha: VK Pandian, former IAS officer and chairman of 5T and Nabin Odisha scheme, arrives at BJD's party office in Bhubaneshwar.
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 2023
He joined the BJD Party today in the presence of CM Naveen Patnaik. pic.twitter.com/98HeJYstnG
Who is VK Pandian?
- VK Pandian, a 2000-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Odisha cadre, hails from Tamil Nadu and started his bureaucratic career in 2002.
- According to some reports, he was initially in the Punjab cadre, until being transferred to Odisha.
- His early assignments, such as the sub-collector of Dharmagarh in South West Odisha, showed his commitment to farmers' rights and streamlined paddy procurement, reported India Today.
- Pandian's contributions didn't go unnoticed, earning him the National Award for the rehabilitation of Public Works Departments (PWDs).
- His roles as District Magistrate/Collector in the Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts were exemplary, reducing the spread of Naxalism and introducing innovative practices.
#WATCH | On VK Pandian joining BJD, party leader Amar Patnaik in Odisha's Bhubaneswar says, "This is not only a question of strengthening the party but it will also strengthen the state as a whole. He is committed to the development of the state like the CM. Pandian's joining the… pic.twitter.com/70Js6FjHBN
— ANI (@ANI) November 27, 202
- In 2011, Pandian became the private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, solidifying his position as a key player in Odisha politics.
- Over the years, he received accolades like the 'Hellen Keller Award' for working for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
- According to India Today, Pandian is a regular educator at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie.
Serving as the private secretary, Pandian became a trusted aide to Chief Minister Patnaik, earning recognition for his contributions.
5T Secretary and controversies
- Post the 2019 Assembly polls, Pandian's role expanded as he assumed the position of 5T Secretary, overseeing Transformational Initiatives in government departments.
- However, controversies arose, particularly regarding his extensive district tours using a state chopper, prompting allegations of resource misuse.
- VK Pandian's journey, recently, took off with his appointment as Chairman 5T with the rank of a cabinet minister, working directly under Chief Minister Patnaik.
His entry into active politics within BJD opens avenues for speculation about his role in shaping Odisha's political future.