VK Pandian, a trusted aide of former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has announced his retirement from active politics. The announcement comes shortly after the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) experienced a big setback in both the Odisha assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The BJD, which had an unbroken 24-year reign under the leadership of 77-year-old Naveen Patnaik, faced a major defeat in the recent elections. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ended this long streak, capturing 78 seats in the 147-seat assembly. The BJD secured only 51 seats, while Congress won 14 seats, the CPM one, and three Independents completed the tally. In the Lok Sabha elections, BJP achieved a historic victory by winning 20 out of 21 seats. Notably, BJP won just eight seats in 2019. BJD failed to secure any seats, while Congress managed to retain only Koraput.#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 BJDs loss...(Source: BJD) pic.twitter.com/Hf1stid8Gn— ANI (@ANI) June 9, 2024Who is VK PandianPandian, an IAS officer from the 2000 batch, has been a big figure in Odishas political scene, serving as Naveen Patnaiks private secretary for over two decades. In 2023, Pandian transitioned from his bureaucratic role to a political one by joining the BJD after taking voluntary retirement.Patnaiks stance on successionThe announcement of Pandians retirement follows Patnaiks recent statement that Pandian would not be his successor, emphasizing that the people of Odisha would decide the future leadership. This statement was made amid growing speculation about Pandians role in the BJD and his potential to succeed Patnaik.Impact of anti-incumbencyThe BJPs successful campaign capitalized on the anti-incumbency sentiment against Patnaik, who has been a central figure in Odisha politics since 1997. The BJP, which previously shared power with the BJD from 2000 to 2009, strategically framed its campaign around issues of Odia pride, public aspirations, and the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.BJDs existential crisisThe recent electoral defeat has plunged the BJD into a crisis. For nearly 25 years, the party had dominated Odishas political landscape under Patnaiks leadership. Patnaik, who entered politics after the death of his father, Biju Patnaik, in 1997, has been a consistent presence, serving as Union Minister from 1998 to 1999 and then as Chief Minister of Odisha.
