VK Pandian, a former IAS officer and influential figure in Odisha politics, is rumored to be considering a role with an international NGO following his retirement after the BJD’s electoral defeat in 2024
Bhaskar Parichha
Is Vairab Karthikeyan Pandian, commonly known as VK Pandian, a fifty-year-old former bureaucrat, set to join an international NGO? This inquiry has captured widespread attention.
VK Pandian, an IAS officer from the 2000 batch, has made a notable shift into a prominent political position. Hailing from Tamil Nadu and associated with the Punjab cadre, he served as the private secretary to former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for more than a decade (2011–2023) before assuming the role of Chairman of the 5T (Transformational Initiatives) program, holding the rank of a Cabinet Minister. The 5T initiative, now concluded, aimed at enhancing governance through teamwork, technology, transparency, transformation, and timely delivery.
Pandian is recognized for his significant contributions to the development of Odisha, which include major infrastructure projects such as the Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor in Puri, educational reforms, and advancements in healthcare.
Prior to his prominent positions, he held the role of District Collector in Mayurbhanj and Ganjam, where he addressed challenges such as Naxalism and introduced innovative programs, including bank payments for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in Ganjam, which became a model for the nation. Once he entered the political arena, his trajectory only continued to ascend.
In October 2023, just before the announcement of the general elections, Pandian voluntarily retired from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and aligned himself with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the ruling party in Odisha at that time, under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik. He was instrumental in the party’s campaign for the 2024 Odisha Legislative Assembly elections.
However, following the BJD’s surprising defeat to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in June 2024, Pandian declared his retirement from active politics on June 9, 2024. He cited the party’s loss as a factor in his decision and expressed regret if the campaign narrative surrounding him had any negative impact.
His swift ascent, significant influence, and Tamil heritage rendered him a contentious figure; opposition parties, particularly the BJP, labeled him an ‘outsider’ and accused him of abusing his power, while his supporters lauded his effectiveness and dedication to Patnaik. Since he departed from politics, he has maintained a low profile, although he continues to be a topic of conversation within Odisha’s political landscape.
While there is currently no credible evidence or official confirmation regarding Pandian’s potential involvement with an international NGO, his precarious position within the BJD suggests that such a move could be on the horizon.
Since announcing his retirement from active politics in June of the previous year, following the Biju Janata Dal’s electoral defeat in Odisha, Pandian has largely remained out of the public spotlight. His most recent significant public appearance occurred in December 2024, when he attended a wedding near Cuttack, which ignited speculation about his future endeavors, though no concrete plans have been disclosed.
Speculation regarding his potential involvement with an international NGO may arise from his extensive experience as an IAS officer, particularly in development projects such as the 5T framework, which could resonate with the objectives of various NGOs.
Sujata Karthikeyan, his wife, resumed her duties as an IAS officer in November 2024 after her request for a leave extension was declined. She is now actively involved in the Mohan Majhi administration, overseeing a significant department such as Finance.
The next steps taken by the Pandian couple are being closely monitored.
(The author is a senior journalist and columnist. Views expressed are personal.)
