Pandian not to contest 2024 elections: BJD

Bhubaneswar: Bureaucrat-turned-politician and 5T chairman V K Pandian will not contest the 2024 elections, senior BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra informed media persons after the party’s state executive meeting in Bhubaneswar on Friday.

This came amid speculation about his role in the ruling party, which he joined last month after taking voluntary retirement from service in October.

“Pandian today cleared his stand on fighting the upcoming elections. He himself announced that he would not contest the 2024 elections. But as a dedicated worker, he will continue to strengthen the party,” Mishra said, adding that there should be no problem if he decides to contest the polls, but people should refrain from spreading rumours.

Former Balasore MP Rabindra Kumar Jena said Pandian will work for the BJD in all 147 Assembly constituencies in the state. “The former bureaucrat will work towards strengthening the BJD under the leadership of our party president Naveen Patnaik,” he said.

BJD MLA Sandip Routray told reporters that Pandian informed the meeting that he would continue to work for the party and unite it further. “Since Odisha has gained a reputation of well-governed state, he will work to increase the popularity of the party,” he added.

Notably, the state executive meeting passed 32 resolutions – 19 on development works taken up by the government, 12 concerning central neglect, including Mahanadi, Polavaram and GST issues, and one on strengthening the party ahead of 2024 elections.

“The Centre’s silence on Mahanadi, Polavaram saddenes them…on coal royalty, cess, railway, NH, inflation..the Centre would be requested to take required steps… the party will work for Focus State & SCS status,” the BJD said.

The organisational election has been deferred by a year. The party will also spread awareness about schemes launched by the state government and connect to the grassroots from Netaji Jayanti on January 23 to Biju Jayanti on March 5. Social media will also be used for the purpose. The CM also urged party leaders and workers to counter misinformation campaigns and lies strongly.

The crucial meeting was held before the BJD’s 27th Foundation Day, which will be celebrated across blocks, on December 26.