5T & Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian Joins BJD

Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman and former IAS officer VK Pandian on Tuesday joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD). This was announced by party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik after a meeting of the party’s senior leaders held at Naveen Niwas today morning. Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik on Monday welcomed 5T Chairman VK Pandian to the Biju Janata Dal, the ruling party of Odisha. The BJD Supremo said, “As all of you know that Pandian has been working hard for several years for the people of our State and he will continue to do so in the future as a member of the party”. After joining the party, Pandian said, “With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and under the guidance of the Chief Minister, I will work for the people of the state with sincerity, dedication, and in a humble manner.” Pandian also sought the cooperation of all party leaders. A 2000-batch IAS officer, Pandian was earlier working as the Private Secretary (5T) to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and took voluntary retirement from government service on October 23, 2023. On the next day, the Chief Minister appointed Pandian as the Chairman, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha. Pandian’s decision to join the BJD assumes significance ahead of the 2024 general elections. It comes at a time when the BJD has initiated a move to reinvigorate the party organisation in various constituencies. Biju Janata Dal leader VK Pandian on Monday offered prayers at the Maa Taratarini Temple, the presiding deity of Ganjam district. After formally joining the BJD, 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian made a visit to the Maa Taratarini Temple to seek blessings of the deity for his political journey. Accompanied by senior party leaders including BJD Organizational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das and several MLAs of the district, Pandian reached at the famous shrine this afternoon and had darshan of the Goddess. It is worth noting that Maa Taratarini Temple holds an important place for Pandian since his days as the Collector of Ganjam district. He has played an instrumental role for the transformation of this famous temple of south Odisha.

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