Naveen Patnaik Defends VK Pandian, Dismisses Claims of Involvement in BJD Affairs Amid Internal Rift
Bhubaneswar: Amid rising internal discord within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) following the party’s stance on the Waqf Bill in Parliament, ex-CM and BJD president Naveen Patnaik issued a strong statement defending former bureaucrat and ex-party leader VK Pandian. Patnaik reiterated that Pandian has no association with the BJD’s current functioning, asserting that he left the party ten months ago.
“VK Pandian has contributed significantly to the development of Odisha and the BJD in the past. He should not be targeted or blamed for any of the party’s present issues. He is no longer associated with the party,” said Patnaik while addressing reporters at his residence in Bhubaneswar.
The BJD chief also took a sharp dig at expelled leader Prabhat Tripathy. “He was removed from the party years ago after being linked to the chit fund scam and spending time in jail. He is not part of the BJD,” Patnaik clarified.
