"I Withdraw From Active Politics": Naveen Patnaik's Rumoured Successor Pandian After BJD Loses In Odisha

Rumoured to be former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's successor, former IAS officer V K Pandian announced quitting politics after Biju Janata Dal (BJD) lost the majority in the Assembly elections and failed to send any MP to the Lok Sabha in Parliamentary elections.

Pandian said that he had joined the BJD to assist Naveen Patnaik with an intention to "help" him but he failed to "effectively counter political narratives". He also clarified that he had no desire for any political power.

"Therefore I was neither a candidate nor holding any post in BJD... The only property I have is what I inherited from my grandparents. I or my immediate family have no other property anywhere in the world," Pandian claimed.

"My intent to join politics was only to assist Naveen Babu. Now, I consciously decide to withdraw from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone, I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me had a part to play in BJD's loss," he added.

Pandian concluded his video message by apologising to all members and workers of the BJD and expressed gratitude for their association. He prayed to Lord Jagannath for well-being of Naveen Patnaik and the prosperity of Odisha.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 78 seats in the Odisha Assembly elections, securing a majority in the 147-member House, while BJD won 51 seats and Congress 14.