Bhubaneswar, June 8: Amidst claims that bureaucrat-turned-Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Kartik Pandian was a key factor in the party's recent electoral defeat, party president Naveen Patnaik has come to his defense.

“It has come to my notice there’s been some criticism of Pandian. This is unfortunate. He did excellent work in many fields over the last ten years, including aiding with two cyclones and the Covid-19 pandemic in our state. Following this commendable work, he retired from the bureaucracy, joined my party, and has significantly contributed by continuing to do excellent work. He is a person of integrity and honesty and should be remembered for all that,” Patnaik stated while addressing the media.

Patnaik highlighted Pandian's contributions to the government’s health, education, sports, and temple restoration initiatives. Pandian joined the BJD without holding any official position or contesting in any constituency, Patnaik added.

Reiterating that the people of Odisha will decide his successor, the BJD leader said, “I have always clearly said when asked about my successor. I have stated clearly that it is not Pandian, and I repeat again that the people of Odisha will decide my successor.”

When asked about the party's recent electoral setback, Patnaik remarked that in a democracy, outcomes are determined by the people, whether it results in a win or a loss.

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