Will Not Contest Elections, Will Stand behind CM Naveen in All 147 Seats: Kartik Pandian

Bhubaneswar: 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman Kartik Pandian on Friday said that he will not contest the upcoming elections and will stand behind Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in all 147 constituencies.

Pandian said that the Biju Janata Dal led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik will contest in 147 Assembly seats in the State, which means that the CM will stand in all 147 seats. And he will stand behind the Chief Minister in all constituencies, Pandian said.

Speaking about his voluntary retirement from the IAS and joining the Biju Janata Dal, the 5T Chairman has clearly described about his stance to the BJD workers and leaders on the occasion of the Extended State Executive Committee Meeting of the Biju Janata Dal.

He said, “I have received two blessings – the service of Mahaprabhu Jagannath and other being the work for the Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik”.

“I am inspired by the Chief Minister and am totally devoted to him. I have dedicated my future to Lord Jagannath and Chief Minister”, explained Pandian.

He said, “After my voluntary retired from the IAS, many have expressed great interest to know about me – whether I shall contest election or not, If I contest, where shall I contest? Many people have asked me about this. A lot of discussions are going on about my position in the party. Which post I will get in the party? Some have even proposed me to contest elections from different constituencies. But in this regard I will give you one answer very humbly. I feel privileged to work with the Chief Minister. I will stand behind the Chief Minister in all 147 constituencies of the State in the upcoming elections”.

He further said that he will work to the take the development of the State to the top by strengthening the Biju Janata Dal.