Bhubaneswar: The statement made by Biju Janata Dal Organisational Secretary Pranab Prakash Das at Jajpur about VK Pandian, Chairman, 5T Transformational Initiatives and Nabin Odisha, is not just a statement – it corroborates the pulse of the people of Odisha – it reaffirms his role in shaping the transformation of the state and taking forward the vision of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to make Odisha the number one in the country.
During his speech at the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha programme held at Jajpur, Pranab’s spontaneous statement calling Pandian as “A disciple of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik” has just strengthened the fact how Pandian is following the Chief Minister and working for fulfilling the people’s aspirations. Pranab also said that “What a son cannot do, a disciple can do….You are a disciple Mr Pandian and I want to thank you wholeheartedly for whatever you have done for the Chief Minister, Odisha, Jajpur and the Jagannath Temple.”
These statements by the senior member of the Biju Janata Dal carry utmost significance as we see a change in the role played by VK Pandian. He had recently taken voluntary retirement from the civil services and the Chief Minister assigned him the duty to pilot the transformation of Odisha through 5T Initiatives and Ama Odisha.
While the statements are being read politically and speculations continue, there is not an iota of doubt about Pandian’s faithfulness towards Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Odisha and its people.
Ever Since he joined the Chief Minister as his Private Secretary in 2011, Pandian has been the greatest disciple of Naveen and it is clearly visible in his workings even after he resigned from the Services. His endeavour has always been to help Naveen in taking the state to new highs in every field of development and bringing in a truly welfare state. He has played a key role bringing Naveen’s vision and thoughts into reality.
Recollecting the decade old memory, Pranab said at Jajpur “I remember when you had told me that you were looking for a boss whose vision would be grounded and commitment would be grounded, and found that in CM Naveen Patnaik. You had also said that the day the CM would say, ‘Thank you, Mr Pandian’, you would leave everything and go to the village and work in the field.”
This statement also corroborates how the boss Naveen and the disciple Pandian continued to work for the state. Naveen has full faith in the capability of Pandian and hence he still enjoys Naveen’s trust. Pandian has no other intent other than serving the people and if the boss is not satisfied with him, he is ready to quit everything.
These developments may have sparked speculations about Pandian’s greater political role by joining the ruling party, but it is Naveen who will take the decision. Whatever role Naveen Patnaik has assigned Pandian, he has successfully accomplished. And now if Naveen chooses him to be a part of the Biju Janata Dal, then it will be a win win situation for the state and its people.