Odisha's Helicopter Controversy: Investigating Pandian's Alleged Misuse

The BJP in Odisha is investigating the alleged misuse of government helicopters by V K Pandian, a former aide to ex-chief minister Naveen Patnaik during the BJD regime. Pandian is accused of using choppers extensively for grievance hearings. The probe will examine expenses and authorizations for helipad constructions.

The ruling BJP in Odisha has begun probing the alleged excessive use of government helicopters by V K Pandian, a close aide of former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, according to a minister.

Pandian announced his retirement following BJD’s defeat in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls, and faces accusations of using government choppers indiscriminately for grievance redressal hearings across the state. Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena stated that the state government is examining this extensive usage by Pandian, who is a 2000-batch retired IAS officer and former private secretary to Patnaik.

“Action will be taken against individuals if there is misuse of state funds,” Jena said, following questions on Pandian's frequent chopper travels between February 2020 and December 2023. BJP leaders provided data showing Pandian visited 190 locations in all 30 districts for grievance redressal sessions, collecting 57,442 petitions and resolving 43,536 issues. However, expenses on chopper travel were not disclosed.

Odisha’s Law, Excise and Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan highlighted the construction of 450 helipads across Odisha during the period for Pandian’s ease. Each helipad reportedly cost about Rs 3 lakh, with a proper probe promised to verify authorization and expenses. Defending Pandian, BJD leader Sambit Routray said he was holding public hearings on the chief minister's behalf and termed the BJP’s uproar a non-issue. On the other hand, Congress leader Bijay Patnaik has also called for a thorough probe into the expenditures.