Bhubaneswar, May 29: Senior Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Kartik Pandian on Wednesday criticized the Election Commission of India (ECI) for transferring two IPS officers associated with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik's office, calling the move unfortunate.

Pandian's remarks came in response to the ECI's decision on Tuesday to suspend DS Kutey, Special Secretary in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), citing undue interference in election processes. Additionally, the ECI ordered Ashish Singh, Inspector General (CM Security), who is currently on medical leave, to appear before a medical board by Thursday.

Condemning the ECI's actions, Pandian stated, "It is very unfortunate that the Election Commission has acted against officers working in the Chief Minister’s Office. Both officers are exceptional and have significantly contributed to controlling Naxalism in Odisha, risking their lives in regions like Gajapati and Malkangiri. Their dedication and sacrifice have been recognized by the highest authorities in the country. This decision appears to be driven by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is struggling to accept its impending defeat to the Biju Janata Dal and cannot stand the popularity of Naveen Babu among the people of Odisha."

Pandian specifically praised DS Kutey for his role in mitigating the Naxal threat in Odisha. "If Naxalism has been curbed in Odisha, it is due to Kutey's vital contributions. He has confronted Naxals, risking his life in districts like Gajapati and through his work as IG Operations. This decision is politically motivated and detrimental. It reflects the BJP leadership's political agenda," he asserted.

Pandian also emphasized that the BJD and the Chief Minister have never used officers for electoral gains. "Our party, with its strong base of one crore members, does not need such tactics. The BJP might, but not the BJD," he concluded.

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