Will VK Pandian Take Over As BJD Chief? Naveen Patnaik Clears Air On His 'Successor' In First Reaction After Odisha Defeat

Days after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lost the Assembly elections in Odisha, outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday defended his close aide, VK Pandian, and termed his criticism ‘unfortunate’. “There has been some criticism of Mr Pandian. This is unfortunate,” Patnik stated, reacting to the allegations aimed at Pandian.

Responding to the allegations aimed at the bureaucrat-turned-politician, the outgoing Chief Minister Patnaik said, “Mr Pandian joined the party and has not held any posts. He did not fight in these elections from any constituency.”

“When asked about my successor, I have always clearly said that it is not Mr Pandian. I repeat it again that the people of Odisha will decide my successor,” Patnaik was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Patnaik further talked about the role played by Pandian during crises such as cyclones and the COVID-19 pandemic. “As an officer, he did excellent work. He did an excellent job helping with the two cyclones and the COVID-19 epidemic in our state,” he said.

“Later, he retired from bureaucracy and joined my party and he has contributed largely to that by doing excellent work. He is a person of integrity and honesty and he should be respected for that,” Patnaik added, highlighting Pandian’s service towards the nation and the state.

BJD’s Odisha Loss

With the announcement of the results for the recent Assembly elections in Odisha, Patnaik’s BJD suffered a massive loss leading to the end of the party’s 24-year rule in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along the Lok Sabha polls, also claimed its win in Odisha by securing 78 seats in the 147-member assembly.

The BJD managed to secure 51 seats, while the Congress won 14 seats, and three went to Independent candidates.

Talking about the outcome of the results, Patnaik said he was proud of what his party has achieved during his tenure as the Chief Minister. “I think we have always tried and done an excellent job. We have much to be proud of in our government and the party. We must always accept the verdict of the people gracefully.”

“I have always said that the 4.5 crore people of Odisha are my family. I will continue to serve them in whichever way I can,” he added.