New Delhi: On Vijaya Dashami, when within hours of Central Government’s approval to his premature retirement, the Tamil Nadu born, 2000 batch Odisha cadre officer was assigned Cabinet Minister’s rank in Odisha government, it came as no surprise. Many believed that the ascent of VK Pandian was as inevitable as the downfall of Ravana!

What distinguishes VK Pandian from his counterparts, the IAS-turned-politicians, is his remarkable control over government affairs, party dynamics, and the political landscape simultaneously. While Pandian is not the first IAS officer to transition into politics and government, his journey stands out as one of the most meticulously orchestrated and meteoric rises. Yet, behind this extraordinary journey from his birthplace in Madurai to Mayurbhanj and ultimately to the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar lies a foundation of diligent hard work, profound passion, and unwavering ambition.

In his current role as the Chairman of the 5T (Transformation Initiative) and Nabin Odisha, where he holds a Cabinet rank, there is little room for dispute that this may just be a small step in his path toward a potentially significant leap in the not-so-distant future, particularly in the realm of politics.

The unassuming and tall civil servant appears to have honed the skill of nurturing during his master's studies in agriculture at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. It wouldn't be surprising if he also gleaned a thing or two about the intricate art of politics and governance from the heart of Indian politics.

Stories abound about his sterling role in many transformative initiatives of the Odisha Government, and the Man Friday of CM Naveen Patnaik.

Pandian began his career as a sub-collector in Dharmagarh in Kalahandi district and steadily climbed the administrative ladder going on to become District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj in 2005, and of Ganjam in 2007. While in Mayurbhanj he adeptly handled naxalism, at Ganjam his role was applauded for many work including bank payment of wages under NREGS. It is no surprise that Pandian received PM National Awards for Ganjam being the best district for NREGS, twice. 

During his tenure in Ganjam, Pandian forged a strong and enduring relationship with the Chief Minister. This connection ultimately led to his appointment as Patnaik's private secretary in 2011, a position he held for the next 12 years. A year after assuming the role of Private Secretary to the CM, there was a well-known coup attempt by the then influential Pyari Mohan Mahapatra, a former bureaucrat and a close associate of the CM. Faced with this perturbing situation, the Chief Minister sought a trustworthy individual, and Pandian emerged as the natural choice, given his diligence, efficiency, and keen political insight. 

Over time, Pandian's influence became increasingly evident in numerous government programs, and he steadfastly provided unwavering support to the Chief Minister from behind the scenes. Although he remained in the background until 2019, Pandian's political clout began to rise following the 2019 elections, where he played a pivotal role in the remarkable performance of the BJD. Subsequently, he earned the distinction of being recognized as Patnaik's "political strategist."

Pandian's most significant achievement was the creation of the 5T Initiatives Department, which effectively coordinated and consolidated various government divisions, solidifying his position as a formidable figure within the administration. He also masterminded several ambitious projects, encompassing the Sri Jagannath Heritage Corridor, temple renovations, educational reforms, healthcare programs, and both rural and urban development.

With Chief Minister Patnaik elevating him to the status of a cabinet minister, there is growing speculation about his potential association with the ruling BJD and a substantial role in the forthcoming assembly elections. Notably, Pandian's name has even arisen in discussions as a potential successor to Naveen Patnaik, who has served in office continuously for 23 years. 

Pandian's unexpected ascent in Odisha politics has coincided with mounting criticism from the opposition, particularly in light of his increased public visibility in the lead-up to the pivotal 2024 elections. While his expanding influence within the party and government was initially understated, his presence in the public sphere became more pronounced approximately a year ago when he began appearing alongside the Chief Minister in official videos. This shift marked a departure from his previous inclination for a low-profile role as an unassuming bureaucrat. 

While it's still premature to confirm whether Pandian will run in the 2024 assembly elections, one thing is clear: his influence in steering the BJD and molding Odisha's political landscape will be of paramount importance. As the state prepares for the impending elections, Pandian's transformation from a trusted bureaucrat into a prominent political figure has captured the attention of many, establishing him as a significant presence in Odisha's ever-evolving political arena.

Many may not be aware that Pandian is an enthusiastic runner, having once held the title of University champion in the 800 and 1500-meter races. However, in this new race, he has left many, many miles behind, embarking on a remarkable journey in the realm of politics and administration.

(With inputs from Pragya Lal Ranjan)