’My only intent was’: VK Pandian, close aide of Naveen Patnaik, quits active politics after BJD’s defeat in Odisha polls
9 months, 1 week ago

’My only intent was’: VK Pandian, close aide of Naveen Patnaik, quits active politics after BJD’s defeat in Odisha polls

Live Mint  

VK Pandian, the close aide of Naveen Patnaik who joined Biju Janata Dal ahead of the assembly polls, quit active politics on Sunday after the party's defeat in the Odisha elections, and apologised to the entire Biju Parivaar if he had hurt anyone in the journey. The development comes just a day after party supremo and former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik praised Pandian and rejected criticism of him for the party's performance in the assembly elections. A bureaucrat-turned-politician from Tamil Nadu, who is facing criticism from party leaders after BJD's dismissal in the assembly polls, said that he left the IAS taking voluntary retirement and joined the BJD to assist my mentor Naveen Patnaik, adding, “My only intent was to help him, as anyone would do for his mentor or family.” “Twelve years ago, I joined the Chief Minister's office. Stating that Naveen Patnaik's expectation from him was to implement his vision for Odisha, Pandian said, “We successfully crossed many milestones in health, education, poverty reduction, investment, women empowerment and also in temple and heritage projects.” Pandian added that it has been his shortcoming, that I was not been able to effectively counter some of his political narratives at the right time.

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History of this topic

From Modi's trusted ally to Opposition force multiplier, how BJD changed gear
1 week, 1 day ago

From Modi's trusted ally to Opposition force multiplier, how BJD changed gear

India Today  

The Biju Janata Dal, once a dependable ally of the BJP-led Union government on key legislative matters, is now repositioning itself as an assertive Opposition force. BJD vice-president Debi Prasad Mishra confirmed that Patnaik agreed with the concerns of the southern states and would resist any reduction in Odisha’s Lok Sabha representation, currently at 21 seats. On March 11, a …

Odisha: ‘Sanyasi’ Pandian’s silent bid to return to prominence in BJD creates ripples
2 months ago

Odisha: ‘Sanyasi’ Pandian’s silent bid to return to prominence in BJD creates ripples

Deccan Chronicle  

Bhubaneswar: The political landscape of Odisha, dominated by Biju Janata Dal president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for over two and a half decades, now stands at a crossroads. While the opposition BJP capitalised on the sentiment of “Odia pride,” BJD's leadership failed to connect with voters, leading many to question the wisdom of centralizing power in Pandian’s hands. …

Naveen Patnaik says party 'failed to counter BJP's lies' during Odisha polls
2 months, 3 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik says party 'failed to counter BJP's lies' during Odisha polls

India Today  

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday admitted that his party, Biju Janata Dal, had made a mistake by failing to counter the "lies of the BJP" on social media during the election campaign. The BJD President urged party workers to remain active on social media and respond effectively to "BJP's false campaigns and narratives". Naveen Patnaik commented on …

BJD yet to decide stand on simultaneous polls, all MPs with Naveen Patnaik: Sasmit Patra
3 months ago

BJD yet to decide stand on simultaneous polls, all MPs with Naveen Patnaik: Sasmit Patra

Hindustan Times  

New Delhi, The Biju Janata Dal will decide its stand on the issue of the simultaneous election after examining the details of the two bills on the matter that are before the Lok Sabha, party leader Sasmit Patra said on Tuesday. BJD yet to decide stand on simultaneous polls, all MPs with Naveen Patnaik: Sasmit Patra Law Minister Arjun Ram …

Odisha rejects leave extension of ex-BJD leader VK Pandian's bureaucrat wife
Trending News
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Odisha rejects leave extension of ex-BJD leader VK Pandian's bureaucrat wife

India Today  

The BJP-led government in Odisha has rejected the application of IAS Sujata R Kartikeyan, wife of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian, to extend her leave for an additional six months, asking her to report to office on Wednesday. Kartikeyan, a 2000-batch IAS officer, had been on child care leave from May 31, a day before the …

Odisha govt declines to extend child care leave of VK Pandian’s wife Sujata
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Odisha govt declines to extend child care leave of VK Pandian’s wife Sujata

Hindustan Times  

The Odisha government rejected a request by senior bureaucrat Sujata R Karthikeyan, who is the wife of BJD leader VK Pandian, to extend her child care leave, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The ECI on May 2 ordered Odisha government to transfer Sujata R Karthikeyan to a non-public dealing department after complaints of misuse of public office …

People’s love is more important than power and position: Naveen Patnaik
4 months ago

People’s love is more important than power and position: Naveen Patnaik

New Indian Express  

BHUBANESWAR: Leader of the Opposition Naveen Patnaik on Sunday said politics is a commitment to work for an ideal that has unconditional service to the people at its core. Addressing the 91st birth anniversary celebration of late Harishchandra Baxipatra, the former chief minister said, “No doubt politics is the fountainhead of power, it is also a medium to do good …

Odisha: Pradhan counters Patnaik’s critique of BJP amid rising tensions
5 months, 2 weeks ago

Odisha: Pradhan counters Patnaik’s critique of BJP amid rising tensions

Deccan Chronicle  

Patnaik, just three days earlier, had accused the BJP of misleading voters in Odisha to secure electoral victories, calling their rise to power a result of “deceit.” He also criticised the BJP-led government for renaming key welfare schemes initiated under his administration, such as the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, and accused them of failing to deliver on major promises. Pradhan …

Odisha Probes Pandian’s Costly Helicopter Tours, Promises Action
7 months, 1 week ago

Odisha Probes Pandian’s Costly Helicopter Tours, Promises Action

Deccan Chronicle  

Bhubaneswar: Trouble seems to be lurking for V Karthikeyan Pandian, a Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned Biju Janata Dal politician who made whirlwind tours on helicopters to different parts of the state between 2020 and 2024 in the pretext of listening to public grievances. On Friday, Odisha transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed that an investigation into the expenditures on Pandian's whirlwind …

Naveen Patnaik Backs Pandian Again
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik Backs Pandian Again

Deccan Chronicle  

Bhubaneswar: Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday once again backed BJD leader and his key aide V K Pandian, saying the bureaucrat-turned-politician has served the state and party with utmost dedication efficiency, and integrity, and rejected a media report of a split in his party as "completely false, motivated, defamatory and malicious". He was reacting to the report …

Naveen Patnaik dissolves all state-level office bearers, forms new panel of spokespersons
8 months, 1 week ago

Naveen Patnaik dissolves all state-level office bearers, forms new panel of spokespersons

India Today  

Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik has dissolved all state-level office bearers of the party and formed a fresh panel of spokespersons, following the BJD's dismal show in the recently concluded Lok Sabha and Assembly polls in Odisha. In an order, Patnaik on Sunday said, "All state-level office bearers of the BJD are hereby dissolved with immediate effect. Patnaik has …

Naveen Patnaik’s BJD withdraws supports to BJP in Rajya Sabha: ‘Determined to agitate if…’
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik’s BJD withdraws supports to BJP in Rajya Sabha: ‘Determined to agitate if…’

Live Mint  

BJD president Naveen Patnaik held a meeting with his party's nine Rajya Sabha MPs on Monday and asked them to emerge as a "vibrant and strong" opposition in the Upper House of Parliament during its upcoming session that would begin on June 27. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the party's leader in Rajya Sabha Sasmit Patra said, "The BJD …

Naveen Patnaik elected Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly
9 months ago

Naveen Patnaik elected Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly

The Hindu  

Former Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik is set to take on the role of Leader of the Opposition after an extensive 24-year tenure in power. Mr. Patnaik was unanimously elected leader of the BJD Legislature Party at a meeting held at Sankha Bhawan, party’s headquarters. Former Speaker Pramila Mallick will be the BJD’s chief whip …

Naveen Patnaik elected leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly
9 months ago

Naveen Patnaik elected leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly

Hindustan Times  

Former Odisha chief minister and Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik was elected as the head of the 51-member BJD Legislature Party and leader of Opposition in the state Assembly heralding a new chapter in his two-and-a-half-decade-long political career. The BJD legislature party, which met at the party’s state headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, unanimously elected the 77-year-old Patnaik as the …

BJD’s pressing concerns of staying relevant in Odisha politics
9 months, 1 week ago

BJD’s pressing concerns of staying relevant in Odisha politics

The Hindu  

A photograph of Biju Janata Dal president Naveen Patnaik addressing party leaders, both victors and those defeated, at his sprawling residence, Naveen Niwas, the ultimate power centre of Odisha for more than two decades, had gone viral in the aftermath of announcement of 2024 election results. Many of the party’s leaders seem to have lost sight of the original reasons …

What does Naveen Patnaik as the Leader of the Opposition portend for Odisha?
9 months, 1 week ago

What does Naveen Patnaik as the Leader of the Opposition portend for Odisha?

New Indian Express  

Second, prior to 2014, many people believed in Naveen’s policy of equidistance from both the national parties. However, ever since Narendra Modi came to power at the Centre in 2014, surprisingly, Naveen has always supported BJP on the passage of all the critical and contentious bills in the Parliament. Fourth, the plethora of cradle-to-grave public welfare schemes, lakhs of women’s …

After poll debacle, Pandian says quitting active politics
9 months, 1 week ago

After poll debacle, Pandian says quitting active politics

Hindustan Times  

Bhubaneswar: VK Pandian, former bureaucrat and outgoing Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s close aide, on Sunday announced his withdrawal from “active politics”, five days after the Biju Janata Dal faced a drubbing at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party in both the assembly and Lok Sabha elections. “My intent of joining politics was only… only… to assist Naveen babu, …

In the eye of storm following poll debacle, Naveen’s key man VK Pandian resigns from BJD
9 months, 1 week ago

In the eye of storm following poll debacle, Naveen’s key man VK Pandian resigns from BJD

Deccan Chronicle  

Bureaucrat-turned-politician V Karthikeyan Pandian, the blue-eyed boy outgoing Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, on Sunday announced his retirement from active politics. Pandian is in the eye of a storm following the Biju Janata Dal’s drubbing defeat of the Biju Janata Dal in the recently concluded 2024 elections. He also termed the ongoing criticisms against Pandian as “unfortunate.” Prior to the …

Naveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian quits politics after Odisha election drubbing: ‘I am sorry if…’
9 months, 1 week ago

Naveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian quits politics after Odisha election drubbing: ‘I am sorry if…’

Hindustan Times  

Former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik's close aide VK Pandian on Sunday announced retirement from active politics after the Biju Janata Dal suffered an embarrassing defeat in both Lok Sabha and assembly elections. BJD was not only reduced to single Lok Sabha seat in the parliamentary elections, but also lost the assembly polls, ending Naveen Patnaik's 24-years rule in Odisha. …

VK Pandian retires from politics following party's defeat in Odisha elections
9 months, 1 week ago

VK Pandian retires from politics following party's defeat in Odisha elections

New Indian Express  

BHUBANESWAR: Bureaucrat-turned-politician VK Pandian, Biju Janata Dal supremo Naveen Patnaik’s closest aide and confidant, on Sunday announced his retirement from active politics in what probably was one of the shortest political careers that lasted just seven months. Five days after the regional party was voted out of power by a mandate that was overwhelmingly in favour of the BJP, Pandian …

Despite BJD’s loss, Naveen’s popularity remains unscathed in Odisha
9 months, 1 week ago

Despite BJD’s loss, Naveen’s popularity remains unscathed in Odisha

New Indian Express  

BHUBANESWAR: Despite BJD’s disastrous performance in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, outgoing Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s remains as popular as ever among the masses. The outpouring of sympathy from people across all age groups, women in particular, for the state’s longest serving and most popular chief minister has not stopped even after his party faced a debacle in the …

‘VK Pandian not my successor’: Naveen Patnaik says people to choose his ‘heir'
9 months, 1 week ago

‘VK Pandian not my successor’: Naveen Patnaik says people to choose his ‘heir'

Hindustan Times  

In his first reaction after losing the Odisha assembly election, Naveen Patnaik, the outgoing chief minister who missed out on what would have been his sixth consecutive term in office, on Saturday defended his close aide VK Pandian, saying that the bureaucrat-turned-politician was not his successor. Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik along with VK Pandian “The people of Odisha would …

Naveen Patnaik defends Pandian, says he is a person of integrity
9 months, 1 week ago

Naveen Patnaik defends Pandian, says he is a person of integrity

Hindustan Times  

Biju Janata Dal president and former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday defended his close aide VK Pandian amid rising clamour within the party over the latter’s role during the recently concluded Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik and his close aide VK Pandian. I repeat that the people of Odisha will decide on my …

Blaming V.K. Pandian for BJD’s loss in 2024 elections unfortunate, says party supremo Naveen Patnaik
9 months, 1 week ago

Blaming V.K. Pandian for BJD’s loss in 2024 elections unfortunate, says party supremo Naveen Patnaik

The Hindu  

Pandian under fire for Biju Janata Dal’s defeat in 2024 elections, outgoing Chief Minister and party supremo Naveen Patnaik on Saturday came to the defence of his close aide, calling the criticism unfortunate. When asked about reasons behind BJD’s first defeat in past 24 years, Mr. Patnaik said “that is in the people’s hand. People of Odisha will decide my …

'Pandian not my successor, people will decide on this': Outgoing Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik
9 months, 1 week ago

'Pandian not my successor, people will decide on this': Outgoing Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

India TV News  

Outgoing Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said that his close aide and BJD leader VK Pandian is not his "successor" adding that the people of the state would decide on this. During a conversation with reporters, Patnaik said, "I would like to say that Mr Pandian has also worked and helped in health, education, sports, and our program …

After poll debacles, BJD leaders make desperate efforts to upkeep Naveen’s brand image
9 months, 1 week ago

After poll debacles, BJD leaders make desperate efforts to upkeep Naveen’s brand image

Deccan Chronicle  

Bhubaneswar: Leaders of Odisha’s Biju Janata Dal are now seemingly making desperate attempts to upkeep the brand image of party president and outgoing chief minister Naveen Patnaik. Naveen Babu still rules the hearts of all the Odia people," said BJD leader Pratap Jena. V Karthikeyan Pandian, a Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat who joined BJP just on the recently held general elections, …

Naveen Patnaik resigns as Odisha CM, paves way for new BJP government
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik resigns as Odisha CM, paves way for new BJP government

Hindustan Times  

Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday submitted his resignation to Governor Raghubar Das, a day after the Biju Janata Dal faced defeat at the hands of the Bharatiya Janata Party in simultaneous polls to the state assembly and the Lok Sabha. Outgoing Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik hands over his resignation to Governor Raghubar Das on Wednesday. From a one-time …

Naveen Patnaik Resigns Odisha CM BJP Wrests BJD Bastion Lok Sabha polls
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik Resigns Odisha CM BJP Wrests BJD Bastion Lok Sabha polls

ABP News  

After a surprising performance by the Bharatiya Janata Party in Odisha in both Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the saffron party will is all set to form the next government in the state. Following the BJP's thumping victory, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday resigned as the CM and submitted his resignation to Governor Raghubar Das. Naveen Patnaik, who …

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik resigns from his post after poll drubbing
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik resigns from his post after poll drubbing

Deccan Chronicle  

BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik formally concluded his 24-year tenure in office on Wednesday by submitting his resignation to Governor Raghubar Das at Raj Bhawan. Patnaik's departure from the Chief Minister's Office marks the end of a distinguished career characterised by his long-standing leadership in Odisha's political landscape. The decision to resign follows the BJD's electoral setback in the …

BJP ends 25-year grip of Naveen over Odisha
9 months, 2 weeks ago

BJP ends 25-year grip of Naveen over Odisha

New Indian Express  

BHUBANESWAR: Curtains came down on Tuesday on the 25-year rule of BJD head and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in Odisha as the BJP virtually swept both the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in the state and is set to form the new government on June 10. The impact of the verdict is not restricted to the political future of Naveen …

BJP storms Odisha, set to end Naveen Patnaik's 24-year hold on state
9 months, 2 weeks ago

BJP storms Odisha, set to end Naveen Patnaik's 24-year hold on state

India Today  

The BJP looked to be on course to dislodge Naveen Patnaik's 24-year hold on Odisha. If the BJP does manage to win 74 seats needed to secure a majority in the 147-member Odisha Assembly, it would mark the first time that they would form the government in the coastal state and end Naveen Patnaik's 25-year-old tenure. The elections for 147 …

VK Pandian is not my successor, says Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik
9 months, 2 weeks ago

VK Pandian is not my successor, says Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

Deccan Chronicle  

BHUBANESWAR: Clearing the air on the gossips in the power corridors that Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned politician V Karthikeyan Pandian might succeed him, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said that Pandian is not his successor. The Opposition has been alleging that Pandian has held CM Naveen hostage and no BJD leader or government officials are allowed to meet Naveen …

Assam CM accuses VK Pandian of controlling Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Assam CM accuses VK Pandian of controlling Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik

Op India  

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised serious concerns regarding the autonomy and well-being of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik alleging that Biju Janata Dal leader VK Pandian effectively captured Patnaik, restricting his ability to interact independently. “I believe a High Court judge should speak to Naveen Babu alone to see if he is happy and if he is okay. …

VK Pandian Exclusive Interview: 'Only the Weak Play Politics Over Religion'
9 months, 3 weeks ago

VK Pandian Exclusive Interview: 'Only the Weak Play Politics Over Religion'

The Quint  

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik is just three months away from becoming the longest serving chief minister in India's history. Originally from Tamil Nadu, the 50-year-old former IAS officer is Patnaik's closest aide whose influence in the state is second only to the CM. However, Pandian took a major decision last year, by quitting the bureaucracy and joining Patnaik's Biju …

BJP leaders criticise BJD government, promise development
10 months ago

BJP leaders criticise BJD government, promise development

New Indian Express  

BALASORE: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan lambasted the BJD government for its alleged neglect and demolition of religious sites in Odisha during a BJP workers meet here on Saturday. Pradhan, also the BJP’s Lok Sabha candidate from Sambalpur, claimed that monks in the state have lost faith in the BJD due to its ‘monopolistic’ practices over the past 25 years, which …

All isn’t well with BJD, the blame lies within
10 months, 1 week ago

All isn’t well with BJD, the blame lies within

Hindustan Times  

Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s aide and Biju Janata Dal leader VK Pandian believes that the Bharatiya Janata Party may split his party to come to power in the state. With the first phase of elections in Odisha set for May 13, and accepting Pandian’s comments at face value, the question is why the party fears a split now. When …

BJD’s Pandian accuses BJP of trying to break Odisha’s ruling party to grab power
10 months, 1 week ago

BJD’s Pandian accuses BJP of trying to break Odisha’s ruling party to grab power

Hindustan Times  

Biju Janata Dal leader VK Pandian on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to break Odisha’s ruling party to grab power. Pandian, who is a key aide to chief minister Naveen Patnaik, criticised BJP’s manifesto for the state polls saying it makes tall but hollow promises. The BJD manifesto will focus on service and development.” He said Dharmendra …

A tireless VK Pandian rallies for an ageing Naveen Patnaik in BJD campaigns. Is it denting Odia pride?
10 months, 1 week ago

A tireless VK Pandian rallies for an ageing Naveen Patnaik in BJD campaigns. Is it denting Odia pride?

Hindustan Times  

On some days he is on Instagram holding up Styrofoam cut-outs of a conch, Biju Janata Dal's electoral symbol, urging people of Odisha to vote for the party’s candidates in both Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, which are being held simultaneously. But Pandian is at the centre of a political maelstrom with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior leader Amit …

BJP sharpens attack against Naveen Patnaik as party leadership heads to Odisha
10 months, 2 weeks ago

BJP sharpens attack against Naveen Patnaik as party leadership heads to Odisha

The Hindu  

The saffron party sharpened its attack against the Naveen Patnaik government ahead of the scheduled visit of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to poll-bound Odisha. Is Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who is also heading a regional party, not able to find any capable legislator and MP within the Biju Janata Dal to lead …

Odisha: VK Pandian’s spouse transferred by EC for misusing office in favour of BJD
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Odisha: VK Pandian’s spouse transferred by EC for misusing office in favour of BJD

Op India  

On 2nd May, the Election Commission of India issued an order to transfer Mission Shakti department commissioner-secretary Sujata Rout Karthikeyan in Odisha to a non-public dealing department effective immediately. The BJP stated in its complaint that the current government utilized the Mission Shakti department to influence votes in favour of the BJD in the concurrent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. …

VK Pandian's bureaucrat wife transferred after misuse of public office complaint
10 months, 2 weeks ago

VK Pandian's bureaucrat wife transferred after misuse of public office complaint

India Today  

The Election Commission on Thursday ordered the immediate transfer of senior Odisha bureaucrat Sujata R Kartikeyan, wife of BJD leader V K Pandian, to a non-public dealing department, hours after BJP's complaint of alleged misuse of public office, sources said. The sources said Kartikeyan was shunted out with immediate effect following complaints of alleged misuse of public office. The BJP …

I'm natural successor to Naveen Patnaik's great values, only BJP calls me 'outsider': Pandian
10 months, 2 weeks ago

I'm natural successor to Naveen Patnaik's great values, only BJP calls me 'outsider': Pandian

The Hindu  

Unfazed by the ‘outsider’ barb from his opponents, Naveen Patnaik’s closest associate V.K. In an interview at Mr. Patnaik’s residence, the 49-year-old former IAS officer who last served as private secretary to the Chief Minister before quitting the service to join the Biju Janata Dal in 2023, said, “I call Naveen babu my guru and I’m his shishya.” Mr. Pandian …

Patnaik grooming ‘outsider’ to takeover in Odisha: BJP
10 months, 2 weeks ago

Patnaik grooming ‘outsider’ to takeover in Odisha: BJP

The Hindu  

In what appears like a veiled attack on V.K. Pandian, a close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Bharatiya Janata Party national president J.P. Nadda, said the ground was being laid to make an “outsider” Mr. Patnaik’s successor in the State. Addressing a public rally near Berhampur on Sunday, Mr. Nadda said, “there is an attempt to install an …

Naveen Patnaik’s home turf awaits a feisty ‘battle of turncoats’
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Naveen Patnaik’s home turf awaits a feisty ‘battle of turncoats’

The Hindu  

As Pradeep Panigrahy, the BJP’s candidate from the Berhampur Lok Sabha seat, drives down to his constituency from Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar on Friday, he cannot shake off a sense of nervousness. While BJP candidate Mr. Panigrahy was once a key member of the BJD’s core group, a three-time BJD MLA from Gopalpur, and a former Higher Education Minister in the …

Odisha BJP targets Pandian, slams BJD’s ‘misrule and misdeed’
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Odisha BJP targets Pandian, slams BJD’s ‘misrule and misdeed’

The Hindu  

The Odisha BJP trained its guns on V.K. Pandian, a close aide of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, as it launched a blistering attack on the Biju Janata Dal government by unveiling a catalogue of the administration’s ‘misrule and misdeed’. The BJP on Wednesday released an Odia booklet, titled ‘25 years’ box of sins’ levelling charges of corruption, misgovernance, anti-farmer …

Naveen Patnaik Has Grown Old, Should Retire From Active Politics - Ex-Aide And BJP Leader Debasis Nayak
11 months, 1 week ago

Naveen Patnaik Has Grown Old, Should Retire From Active Politics - Ex-Aide And BJP Leader Debasis Nayak

Deccan Chronicle  

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s former close aide Debashsis Nayak, who recently joined the Bharatiya Janata Party, launched a scathing attack on the former on Wednesday. If he cannot run or manage, the time has come for him to take retirement.” Addressing a press conference here, Nayak said Tamil Nadu-born bureaucrat-turned BJD leader VK Pandian is now calling the shots …

Odisha | BJD MP, two former-MLAs quit regional party
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Odisha | BJD MP, two former-MLAs quit regional party

The Hindu  

In a jolt to the ruling Biju Janata Dal, a sitting MP and two ex-MLAs on March 30 resigned from the regional party ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha and Odisha Assembly elections. Mohanty was the second sitting BJD MP after Bhartruhari Mahtab to quit the regional party ahead of the 2024 general elections. During the day, former party MLA …

‘Leaders lost access to Naveen Patnaik’: Bhartruhari Mahtab on why he quit BJD
11 months, 2 weeks ago

‘Leaders lost access to Naveen Patnaik’: Bhartruhari Mahtab on why he quit BJD

Hindustan Times  

Six days after he quit the Biju Janata Dal, six-time Lok Sabha MP Bhartruhari Mahtab joined the Bharatiya Janata Party on March 28, saying that it relieved the unbearable pain that he had been living with. In an interview with HT, Mahtab, 67, who has been winning the Cuttack Lok Sabha seat in Odisha since 1998, spoke about his decision …

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Odisha Election MLA Surendra Singh Bhoi Quits Congress BJD 2 BJP Leaders Sukant Nayak Prakash Chandra Behera Naveen Patnaik
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Lok Sabha Election 2024 Odisha Election MLA Surendra Singh Bhoi Quits Congress BJD 2 BJP Leaders Sukant Nayak Prakash Chandra Behera Naveen Patnaik

ABP News  

Bhubaneswar, Mar 29 Three-time Congress MLA and former minister Surendra Singh Bhoi resigned from the primary membership of the party after 38 years and joined the ruling BJD on Friday. Two BJP leaders – Nilgiri MLA Sukant Nayak and the party’s Cuttack district president Prakash Chandra Behera - also resigned from their party and are likely to join the BJD. …

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