Naveen Patnaik's Aide VK Pandian Quits Active Politics After BJD Debacle in Odisha Polls

Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian on Sunday announced retirement from active politics after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) suffered an embarrassing defeat in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. My intent of joining politics was only to assist Naveen babu and now consciously I decide to withdraw myself from active politics,” Pandian, a former bureaucrat, said in a video message.

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 BJD's loss. I apologise to the entire Biju Parivar, including all the party workers for this,” he added.BJD was not only reduced to single Lok Sabha seat in the parliamentary elections, but also lost the assembly polls, ending Naveen Patnaik's 24-years rule in Odisha.

Patnaik also said criticism of Pandian for the party's debacle was "unfortunate" and asserted that he did an "excellent job"."He (Pandian) is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for that," Patnaik said amid widespread resentment among the party leaders and workers.“There has been some criticism of Pandian. This is unfortunate. He joined the party and has not held any post. He did not contest the elections from any constituency. I have always clearly said when asked about my successor that it is not Pandian. I repeat that the people of Odisha will decide my successor,” the former CM told PTI.