The Odisha CM has appointed  VK Pandian as chairman of 5-T initiative and Nabin Odisha to implement his dream projects, ahead of elections

In a move that stumped his critics and political opponents, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appointed his most trusted lieutenant and now-retired IAS officer VK Pandian as the chairman of his flagship 5-T initiative and Nabin Odisha, sending waves across the state’s political circles. Having been at the receiving end of the opposition’s ire over the growing influence of the Tamil Nadu-born officer in the state’s governance, the ‘gentle giant’ of Indian politics, Patnaik stunned everyone by this appointment — by its nature, speed and timing.

While Patnaik’s good relation and rapport with the BJP central leadership ensured Pandian’s VRS was accepted in no time and the notice period waived off — despite letters against the officer by BJP state leaders, his decision to make the 2002 batch Odisha Cadre officer his man Friday at this moment marks his political brilliance, with the state assembly elections scheduled early next year.

How VK Pandian became the go-to man for Naveen Patnaik:

An officer known for his simplicity and rare magnanimity, his journey into the good books of CM Patnaik started during his stint as the Collector of Ganjam district. It was his vision and action on the ground, ensuring justice and work for people apart from setting up a special facility for HIV-infected orphans in the district that put him in direct sight of the chief minister. His initiatives in the district won several national awards.

His successive stints in various districts and unique initiatives there cemented his position as a person who was connected with grassroots and portrayed him as someone who had the vision to solve issues of people on the ground. He was then picked up by Patnaik as his private secretary in 2011 and there has been no looking back for him since then. He was the man who would deliver CM’s dreams and promises on the ground very, very effectively. His proactive involvement in the delivery of schemes was also criticised by the opposition who targeted Patnaik over his absence, largely accusing him of renting the kingdom to his secretary while he was constantly napping — CM Patnaik never paid heed to any such accusations and his image as the leader remains intact.

CM Patnaik knew Pandian as someone who could deliver just about anything. From effective communication to coordination between the departments to chalking input strategies to make Odisha a state that powered sports and sports stars. The revamp of Indian Hockey has seen Odisha as its biggest support system thanks to the great policies of the state. From sports to making Puri the world’s best heritage site with all world mass amenities and ensuring a far better experience for devotees at the Shree Jagannath Temple in the town, Pandian is the man who’s been overseeing the key initiatives of the Patnaik government.

Pandian over the past few years rose the ranks as a people’s officer. His work in education and the healthcare system made him a crowd-favourite. Revamping the schools of the state and making the health facilities sound by ensuring good public hospitals and facilities, Pandian’s work in these two core sectors is talked about a lot among the masses of the state. Now, with him being given a cabinet minister status and the post of chairman, 5-T, the murmurs are abuzz about his induction into the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) party. The murmurs stem from the fact that it was he who, under the directions of CM Patnaik, set out to touch base with people across all 30 districts, listening to their grievances and giving solutions on the spot.

This drive by Pandian raised many eyebrows in the state. The opposition parties took turns attacking Patnaik over his absence and non-seriousness in governing the state, but it cemented Pandian’s place as someone who could drive the future political narrative of Patnaik. For now, in Pandian’s appointment, Naveen Patnaik has shut the mouth of his opposition before the all-important Lok Sabha elections and the assembly elections due in the state.

He has also been able to successfully give a message out to youth by Pandian’s appointment. How lethal and politically beneficial does this step of Patnaik turn out to be, only time will tell.

(Prashant Kumar is a freelance journalist, views are personal)