Naveen Patnaik Defends V.K. Pandian, Warns BJD Leaders Against Internal Criticism

Bhubaneswar, April 9 — Biju Janata Dal (BJD) supremo and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday issued a strong message to party leaders, urging them not to criticise V.K. Pandian, once seen as his closest aide, stating clearly that Pandian is no longer associated with the party.

Patnaik’s remarks come in the wake of mounting internal dissent, particularly regarding the BJD’s stance on the Waqf Amendment Bill in the Rajya Sabha. The party had allowed its MPs to vote according to their conscience, a move that drew criticism from both within and outside the party. Some senior leaders have accused Pandian of influencing the decision, thereby tarnishing the BJD’s secular image.

Veteran leader Pravat Tripathy went a step further, calling Pandian a “liability” to the party and claiming many leaders do not support his leadership. Responding firmly, Patnaik clarified that Tripathy is no longer a BJD member, having been expelled after his indictment in the chit fund scam, which led to over a year in prison.

“Pandian made significant contributions to both the state and the party. He left the BJD ten months ago and is not involved in any party activities now. There is no reason to criticise him,” Patnaik stated, reiterating his previous stand in support of the former IAS officer.

Pandian, who served as Patnaik’s private secretary for over a decade, had resigned from the IAS and joined the BJD shortly before the 2024 elections, where he played an active role in campaigning.

The recent uproar also saw the BJD’s lone Muslim MP, Munna Khan, meet with Patnaik to express discontent over the party’s handling of the Waqf Amendment Bill. His supporters protested outside Naveen Niwas, raising slogans like “Go back, Pandian” and “Leave Odisha, Pandian”.

Amid the internal turbulence, Patnaik also issued a directive to senior party leaders to refrain from holding meetings in luxury hotels. “The party has a spacious office, Sankha Bhawan. There is no need to hold meetings elsewhere,” he said, disapproving of what he termed unnecessary extravagance.

Political observers view Patnaik’s latest statement as an attempt to restore unity within the BJD ahead of upcoming electoral battles, while maintaining his unwavering loyalty to a key former aide.