Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s aide V.K. Pandian on Sunday announced that he is quitting active politics. He further apologised to Biju Janata Dal (BJP) for the loss in the recent Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The development comes after he was targetted by his rival parties for taking over as the "successor" of former Odisha CM and BJD chief. Earlier on Saturday, Naveen Patnaik stepped out to defend Pandian stating that it is "unfortunate" that he is being charged for the loss that party suffered, and reiterated that "Pandian is not his successor".
In a video statement, he said, "Now consciously I decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone on this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play in BJD's loss."
"My intent of joining politics was only, only to assist Naveen Babu. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone in this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play in BJD's loss. I apologise to the entire Biju Parivar, including all the party workers for this," he said.
The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) gained power in Odisha, ending the BJD's 24-year rule, by winning 78 seats in the 147-member assembly. The Patnaik-led BJD secured 51 seats, while the Congress won 14, and CPI(M) secured one. Three independent candidates also emerged victorious. The BJD did not win any Lok Sabha seats in the state, with the BJP winning 20 and the Congress one.