Bhubaneswar, November 27: Purring all speculations to rest, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s trusted aide and former bureaucrat VK Pandian joined the BJD on Monday.
Pandian joined the Biju Janata Dal in the presence of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik at the latter’s residence and several senior party leaders.
Welcoming Pandian to the party fold, CM Patnaik said that for a number of years Pandian has been working hard for the people of Odisha and has earned respect and trust of people.
“I welcome Sri Pandian to the Biju Janata Dal. As all of you know he has been working hard for the people of Odisha for several years & he will continue to do so in the future as a member of the party,” said Patnaik.
After joining the party, Pandian said he will work selflessly for the people of the State with sincerity, dedication and in a humble manner.
“With the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and under the guidance of the CM, and with cooperation from party leaders he will work selflessly for the people of the State with sincerity, dedication and in a humble manner,” said Pandian.
There was lots of political messaging as BJD chose the auspicious occasion of ‘Kartik Purnima’ for starring Pandian’s political innings. Odisha observes Boita Bandana on the day commemorating the State’s past maritime glory.
Before joining the party at the CM residence, Tamil Nadu born Pandian went to Puri and took blessings of Lord Jagannath early this morning.
Pandian is currently officiating as the Chairman of two flagship Government programmes, 5T (Transformational Initiatives) and Nabin Odisha, a Rs 3,397 crore initiative to promote Jagannath culture and improve rural infrastructure last month.
Last month he voluntarily retired from his IAS job as the CM’s Secretary.
