Naveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian retires from politics following Odisha election defeat
PTC News Desk: Close assistant to former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, VK Pandian, said on Sunday that he would be leaving politics after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) was humiliated in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections.
#WATCH | 5T Chairman & BJD leader VK Pandian says, "...Now consciously I decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone on this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play in BJD's loss..."
(Source: BJD) pic.twitter.com/Hf1stid8Gn
— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024
"I have now made the deliberate decision to step back from active politics. If I have offended anyone along this journey, I apologize. In a video statement, VK Pandian apologized if the narrative being used against him contributed to BJD's defeat.
The chairman of 5T and leader of Biju Janata Dal released a video message on Sunday. "I come from a small village and I come from a very humble family," he remarked. Since I was a young child, I have wanted to join the IAS and help people. It was made possible by Lord Jagannath. I came to Odisha because of my Kendrapara-based family. The people of Odisha have shown me so much love and respect since the day I first set foot on their land. I've made a great effort to work hard for the people.
Twelve years ago, Pandian had joined the Odisha Chief Minister's Office and described working for Naveen Patnaik as a "honour".
"I will always cherish the experience and knowledge I gained from him. He looked on me to carry out his vision for Odisha, and he accomplished a lot in terms of poverty alleviation, education, and health." stated VK Pandian.
- With inputs from agencies
