One of BJP‘s creative social media campaigns included a mock airline ticket for VK Pandian, ‘booked’ from Bhubaneswar to Tamil Nadu on the fictitious ‘BJDGo’ airlines for June 4.
While the Tamil Nadu born IAS-turned-politician may not leave his ‘karmabhoomi’ Odisha, he definitely finds himself at a political crossroads following BJD‘s massive poll debacle – both in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls – in Odisha.
Pandian’s much-touted position as a key figure within the BJD has come under scrutiny. The party’s disappointing showing has led to speculation about his political trajectory and the impact it may have on his influence within the organization.
Pandian had announced he would quit politics if BJD failed to return to power with a three-fourth majority.

He had dared Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan to adopt a similar stand if he lost. If Pandian does that, his political career would span just six months since he joined BJD in Nov last year after taking voluntary retirement from the services. Pandian drew his strength from Naveen Patnaik’s unfaltering faith in him.
But now, many BJD functionaries who had remained silent may speak out. They may question his acceptability and role within the party. On the eve of the last-phase polls, Naveen had hurriedly announced Pandian will not succeed him.