"Game of Thrones": Explosive political shift as VK Pandian, ex-IAS officer and perceived heir to Naveen Patnaik, formally joins BJD, a Tamilian's ascent sparks speculation on Odisha's next CM, from bureaucrat to potential CM whose 5T initiatives reshaped state dynamics

A former bureaucrat who is widely regarded as the successor of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has officially joined the ruling party of the state. VK Pandian, who retired from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) earlier this month, has become a member of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the party that has been in power in Odisha for more than two decades.

VK Pandian had sought voluntary retirement from the civil services and was immediately appointed as the chairman of two flagship initiatives of the Odisha government. He holds the rank of a cabinet minister and oversees the implementation of the “5T” and the “Nabin Odisha” programs, which aim to transform the state through transparency, teamwork, technology, time, and transformation.

VK Pandian has been the de facto ‘right-hand’ man of CM Naveen Patnaik for over a decade. He was an Odisha cadre IAS officer from the 2000 batch who hails originally from Tamil Nadu. He has served in various key positions in the state administration, including as the secretary to the chief minister, the secretary of the home department, and the secretary of the water resources department.

His close association with CM Patnaik and his influential role in the governance of the state have earned him both admiration and criticism from different quarters. While his supporters praise him for his efficiency, dedication, and vision, his detractors accuse him of being arrogant, biased, and interfering. He has also faced several allegations of corruption, nepotism, and favoritism, which he has denied.

VK Pandian’s entry into the BJD has sparked speculations about his political ambitions and his chances of becoming the next chief minister of Odisha. Many observers believe that he is being groomed by CM Patnaik, who has been in office since 2000, to take over the reins of the state after his retirement. However, some analysts also point out the challenges and hurdles that VK Pandian may face in his political journey, such as his outsider status, his lack of mass appeal, and his rivalry with other senior leaders of the party.

VK Pandian’s meteoric rise in Odisha politics has not gone unnoticed by the opposition parties, who have questioned his legitimacy and authority as a civil servant. They have accused him of being the CM’s envoy and ‘replacement’, flying around in helicopters and being welcomed with garlands and flowers by the public and party leaders wherever he goes. They have challenged him to quit his job and join active politics if he wants to play a political role in the state.

VK Pandian openly declared in public meetings that he was there to meet people on behalf of CM Patnaik. He said that he was carrying the message and vision of the CM to the grassroots level and ensuring the delivery of various welfare schemes and development projects. He also claimed that he was acting as a bridge between the CM and the people, listening to their grievances and feedback.

CM Patnaik, who is 77, is not very physically active and does not step out of the CM residence very often. His continuous absence from the Odisha assembly has also been a talking point in political circles. Some critics have alleged that he is suffering from health issues and is unable to discharge his duties as the chief minister. They have also suggested that he is losing his grip on the party and the administration, and is relying on VK Pandian to run the show.

On October 23, VK Pandian finally took VRS, and just hours later, he was given a cabinet minister rank by CM Patnaik. This move was seen as a clear indication of the CM’s trust and confidence in VK Pandian, and also as a preparation for his eventual entry into the electoral arena. Many political observers believe that VK Pandian will soon contest the assembly or the parliamentary elections from a BJD stronghold, and will be projected as the CM’s heir apparent.

VK Pandian has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading two ambitious initiatives of the Odisha government, aimed at transforming the state in various sectors. He is the chairman of the “5T” and the “Nabin Odisha” programs, which focus on improving the quality of education, governance, and healthcare across the state. He is also involved in monitoring the progress and impact of these programs, and ensuring their timely and effective implementation.

VK Pandian has had a stellar career as an IAS officer, and has earned many accolades and awards for his work over the years. He has been frequently invited to give lectures at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Education (LBSNAA), where selected bureaucrats are trained, and has shared his insights and experiences with the aspiring civil servants. He has also been praised for his innovative and proactive approach to solving various administrative and developmental challenges.

In 2011, VK Pandian was appointed as the Private Secretary of CM Naveen Patnaik. He soon became one of the most trusted and influential aides of the CM, and played a crucial role in shaping the policies and strategies of the BJD government. He was also instrumental in managing the party affairs, and coordinating with the central and other state governments.

Though he was said to be very close to the CM and was widely seen as his ‘right hand’ man, VK Pandian rose to prominence in Odisha’s political and executive scenario after 2019, when he was appointed as the ‘5T secretary’. He was given the charge of implementing the ‘5T’ model of governance, which stands for transparency, teamwork, technology, time, and transformation. He was also given the authority to review the performance of various departments and officials, and take corrective actions if needed. He became the face of the Odisha government’s efforts to bring about a positive change in the state, and also the target of the opposition’s attacks and allegations.

VK Pandian has been associated with the redevelopment of high schools across the state, the renovation of ancient temples, and the implementation of Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a healthcare initiative that provides free-of-cost medical facilities to people. He has been spearheading these projects under the “5T” and the “Nabin Odisha” programs, which are the Odisha government’s initiatives by CM Patnaik to bring in 5Ts (transparency, transformation, teamwork, technology, and time management) across government bodies. He has also been visiting various districts and regions of the state, interacting with the local officials, beneficiaries, and stakeholders, and ensuring the smooth execution and delivery of these schemes.

As Pandian started becoming the “face” of the Naveen Patnaik government, the opposition raised questions, asking why a serving IAS officer is being projected as the ‘boss’ over elected MLAs and ministers in the state. They alleged that Pandian was violating the service rules and the code of conduct by indulging in political activities and influencing the policy decisions of the government. They also claimed that Pandian was undermining the authority and dignity of the elected representatives and the constitutional bodies, and was acting as a super chief minister. They demanded that Pandian should be removed from his post and face an inquiry for his alleged misconduct and misuse of power.

VK Pandian has finally (formally) joined Odisha politics, ending all speculations about his future role and aspirations. He already enjoys the perception of being the most powerful man currently in Odisha politics, and speculations are rife that he may now contest elections in 2024, paving the way for him to officially become a powerful minister, or even the CM of the state eventually.

VK Pandian’s wife Sujata Karthikeyan is also a senior IAS officer in the state. She is currently the commissioner-cum-secretary of the department of handlooms, textiles, and handicrafts. She is also known for her work in the fields of rural development, women empowerment, and tribal welfare.

It is notable here that Naveen Patnaik is a fifth term CM and his party BJD has been ruling Odisha since 2000. BJD has a thumping majority in the state assembly and the next largest party, the BJP, has less than one-fourth of the seats compared to BJD. Patnaik has been widely praised for his pro-people policies, his clean image, and his efficient handling of natural disasters and the Covid-19 pandemic. He has also been able to keep his party united and loyal, despite facing several challenges and dissensions from within and outside.

The article has presented a detailed account of the life and career of VK Pandian, a former IAS officer who has joined the BJD, the ruling party of Odisha. It has highlighted his close association with CM Naveen Patnaik, his influential role in the governance of the state, and his potential to become the next chief minister of Odisha. It has also discussed the reactions and criticisms of the opposition parties, who have questioned his legitimacy and authority as a civil servant and a politician. The article has also provided some background information about the political and social scenario of Odisha, and the achievements and challenges of the BJD government. The article has aimed to provide an engaging and informative perspective on the latest development in Odisha politics, and its implications for the future of the state. 

The political landscape, characterized by the BJD's overwhelming majority in the state assembly, solidifies the party's stronghold. With the BJP trailing significantly, the unfolding political dynamics promise to reshape Odisha's leadership. As VK Pandian formally embraces the realm of politics, the anticipation of his role in steering the state's future intensifies, marking a defining moment in Odisha's political narrative.