File photo shows Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is seen with his private secretary V.K. Pandian.
| Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Rout
V. K Pandian, the all powerful private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has taken voluntary retirement from All India Civil Services, fueling speculation for his full-time plunge into State politics.
Mr. Pandian has been shadow of Mr Patnaik in governance and personal space for quite sometime and his retirement was widely expected.
The Department of Personnel and Training has approved his application on October 23.
“In reference to letter No.GAD-SER1-PERS-0100-2014 dated 20.10.2023 from 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,” says DoPT communication.
The 2000-batch IAS officer who is serving as Secretary to 5T Initiative of Odisha government has been face of the government when Odisha Chief Minister preferred him over all ministerial colleagues to conduct marathon grievance redressal sessions organised in different districts in recent months.
His numero uno position in the government was vindicated when Odisha Chief Minister clarified that the IAS officer was his representative in response to Opposition criticism over overarching power exercised by Mr Pandian.
His likely entry into politics may give rise to interesting time ahead as it could give speculations over Mr Patnaik’s successor to rest.