VK Pandian responded to Prime Minister Modi’s comment regarding term limits with insightful reflections.

VK Pandian, a former bureaucrat who has joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), emphasized that Odisha’s Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik, makes decisions based on the needs of the people of Odisha, not under any external influence, especially from Delhi. He described the people of Odisha as the true influencers of Patnaik’s decisions, highlighting the difference between a government that operates solely from within the state versus those controlled from outside.

He challenged the BJP to name its candidate for the Chief Ministerial position, expressing confidence that the party would not garner much support without Patnaik as the alternative. Without directly naming anyone, Pandian hinted at Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s aspirations, cautioning against allowing Delhi-based leaders to dictate Odisha’s future. He warned that Odisha’s progress could regress significantly if decisions were made by leaders in Delhi rather than by the Chief Minister elected by the people of the state.

Pandian’s remarks came in response to recent comments by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who suggested that the BJP would come to power in Odisha. Modi stated that the BJD’s tenure would end soon, predicting a new era under the BJP. However, Pandian countered, asserting that the people of Odisha have consistently chosen Patnaik as their leader and would not appreciate interference from leaders outside the state in selecting their Chief Minister.