Entire BJD led by CM throws weight behind VK Pandian

ONI Bureau: Yes, he is not just a Senior IAS Officer. He is very much important to Government as well as the ruling party. It was proved beyond doubt when the entire party stood by him after a group of BJP workers attacked his residence.

The BJP drew flak for this headless act. Everyone cutting across party like disapproved it. Associations of Officers were quick to denounce it too. However, more surprising is the support Pandian received from BJD leaders and cadres led by CM Naveen Patnaik himself.

Yes, it was an unprecedented development. Even, police, intelligence, media (barring a few exceptions) were in the dark. The cops did not even get a chance to react. Later, the Commissioner and DCP rushed to the spot to control the damage. But, it was too late.

The BJD held a special press meet to condemn the attack and slam BJP – the urgency they never showed when any other officers or political leaders (including Union Ministers Santosh Gangwar, Jual Oram and MP Baijayant Panda) were attacked.

If that was not enough, the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal workers hit the street, protested in front of Vani Vihar Gate. The Biju Yuva Janata Dal workers held a bike rally to condemn  BJP action. And, in the evening, CM himself appeared in the media to condemn the attack at Pandian’s residence.

No doubt, the CM is powerful and CMO too. And, VK Pandian has the absolute control as he remains the trusted lieutenant of the CM – the same trust which politicians failed to enjoy.

Attacking an IAS Officer’s residence instead of garnering public opinion against the CM, may not help the BJP. But, the fear factor which was there for long, is now gone. That could spell trouble for Pandian and CM.

Another loud and clear message came out from the incident. And, there is no prize for guessing what it is.