Senior BJD Leader V K Pandian Steps Back from Active Politics

V K Pandian, a close aide to Odisha's outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik, announced his withdrawal from active politics following the BJD's defeat in recent elections. Pandian apologized for any role he may have played in the party's loss, stating his initial motive was to assist Patnaik.

In a significant political development, V K Pandian, a senior leader of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and a close aide to Odisha’s outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik, announced his resignation from active politics. His decision comes in the aftermath of the BJD’s defeat in both the Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.

In an emotional video message, Pandian expressed regret, noting, "Now I consciously decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone in this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play in Biju Janata Dal’s loss. My apologies to the entire Biju Parivaar, including all the ‘karmis’ for this." He emphasized that his primary aim in joining politics was to assist Naveen Patnaik, and thus he never contested elections himself.

The BJD's recent electoral performance saw the BJP capture power in Odisha, ending BJD's 24-year rule by securing 78 seats in the 147-member state assembly. BJD managed to secure only 51 seats, while Congress took 14 and CPI (M) one. The BJD also failed to win any Lok Sabha seats, with the BJP taking 20 and Congress one. Pandian concluded his message by reaffirming his loyalty to Odisha and Patnaik, saying, "I will always keep Odisha in the core of my heart and my Guru Naveen Babu in my breath."