The centre has approved voluntary retirement of VK Pandian, the 2000-batch Odisha cadre IAS officer. currently serving as private secretary to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
With retirement, Pandian, who belongs to Tamil Nadu, is likely to join Patnaik's BJD and enter active politics.
“In reference to letter No.GAD-SER1-PERS-0100-2014 dated 20.10.2023 from the Government of Odisha on the above-mentioned subject, I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for acceptance of voluntary retirement of Shri V Kartikeya Pandian, IAS(OD-2000) under Rule 16(2A) of All India Services (Death-cum- Retirement benefits) Rules, 1958 with waiver of the notice period as recommended by the State Government,” read the statement issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training.
Talks of Pandian's entry in Politics
Considered Man Friday of chief minister Naveen Patnaik, the opposition in Odisha has been accusing Pandian of running the government in the state on behalf of the chief minister.
Pandian, who has been in his existing post since 2011 and has been wielding influence in Odisha's corridors of power.
In June this year , opposition has registered complaint against Pandian of violating service rules of civil servants .
Despite being a civil servant, Pandian took a whirlwind tour to different districts of Odisha using the state chopper for making announcements about schemes and projects like any other politician on behalf of chief minister Patnaik.
Former chief secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik, who is now campaign committee chairman of the Odisha Congress, had also complained to the DoPT stating, “No serving officer is permitted under the AISC Rules to represent a political functionary at a public meeting.”
Commenting on Pandian's possible political entry, Congress MP Saptagiri Ulaka said that he would not be surprised if Pandian took charge as the chief minister of Odisha before the next elections.
The BJP chief whip Mohan Majhi said Pandian has resigned to take forward his political activities. “Now, he will be able to do politics openly instead of with the mask of a bureaucrat on. He will not be accepted by the people of Odisha,” he claimed
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