Putting an end to various speculation, former Odisha bureaucrat VK Pandian formally joined ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Monday. Notably, he also served as the private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. VK Pandian joined the party in the presence of Naveen Patnaik and other BJD leaders at Naveen Niwas in Bhubaneswar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recent development follows after VK Pandian took voluntary retirement from the Indian Civil Services on October 23. Reports stated that the Centre approved Pandian’s voluntary retirement, following which he assumed the role of the Chairman of 5T, Transformational Initiatives and Nabin Odisha in the Odisha government. After his voluntary retirement, there was chatter in the political circuit of Odisha over the probable entry of Pandian in politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 5T initiative introduced in Patnaik\u2019s fifth and current term to overhaul the administrative apparatus, is reported to be Pandian\u2019s idea. Reportedly, the Ts stand for transparency, teamwork, technology and time, leading to transformation. Under the 5T initiative, the Patnaik government claims to have transformed over 4,000 high schools in Odisha, with refurbished classrooms, laboratories and playgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VK Pandian’s induction into the BJD holds significance for the party ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha polls. The BJD has started strengthening its organisational units in various constituencies to maintain its winning streak in Odisha. The former Odisha bureaucrat had earlier attended meetings in all districts of the state to review developmental projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
VK Pandian from 2000-batch IAS officer, is a native of Tamil Nadu and began his career as a Dharmagarh sub-collector and later served as the collector of various districts. He joined the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in 2011. He held the position of private secretary to the Chief Minister for the past 12 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notably, VK Pandian faced several criticism from the Opposition during his tenure as the 5T Secretary and Private Secretary to the Chief Minister, accused of engaging in politics while in civil service. Earlier in 2023, he attracted scrutiny for extensive tours and addressing large public meetings in several districts of the state.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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