May 2nd 2024.
Bhubaneswar has been buzzing with political debate as the state gears up for the upcoming elections. Amidst all the chaos and accusations, Kartik Pandian, a close associate of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has remained unfazed. He has been labelled as an 'outsider' by his opponents, but Pandian stands firm in his belief that he is a natural successor to Patnaik's values and will do everything in his power to aid his 'guru' in serving the people of Odisha.
In a candid video interview with PTI at Patnaik's residence, the former IAS officer, who left his position as the private secretary to the chief minister to join the party last year, spoke openly about his relationship with Patnaik. "I call Naveen Babu my guru and I am his shishya," he said with a sense of reverence and respect.
Pandian may not hold an official position in the Biju Janata Dal, but he is a firm believer in Patnaik's leadership and is determined to see him excel in his role as the Chief Minister of Odisha. "I am just a foot soldier, but I am a big fan of Patnaik. I will do everything under the sun to ensure that he continues to serve the people of Odisha with his big dreams and plans for the state," he stated.
When questioned about being seen as a natural successor to the 77-year-old Patnaik, who has been the Chief Minister of Odisha for five terms and is now seeking a sixth term in the ongoing elections, Pandian humbly replied, "I am a natural successor to all the great values that he possesses - his integrity, commitment to the people of Odisha, hard work, punctuality, sincerity - everything. I see myself as a successor to his values and I am proud of it. I try to emulate everything he does."
The BJP has accused Pandian of being an outsider in Odisha, but he brushes off these allegations, saying, "The BJP calls me an outsider for their own political reasons, but the people of Odisha do not see me that way." Pandian, who was born in Tamil Nadu and studied in Delhi, has been in Odisha for 25 years and is married to an Odia. He believes that the people of Odisha see him as one of their own, evident from the huge crowds that gather at his rallies and public meetings.
Pandian, who is fluent in Oriya, often begins his speeches by interacting with the people, taking selfies with them, and collecting their petitions. He also makes it a point to speak in the local dialect, connecting with the people on a personal level. "I am not a superstar or a great cricketer, I am just a worker. But the amount of love and affection I receive from the people is overwhelming. This is because of the great work that Naveen Babu has done. I am just a part of his team," he said humbly.
Despite facing persistent attacks from the BJP, including criticism for the chief minister's vote appeal video where he is seen wearing a lungi, Pandian remains undeterred. "I am always the target, but I am like a tree with lots of fruits. Everyone tries to throw stones at me, but I am protected by Naveen Babu, the love of the people, and the work of the state government," he stated confidently.
Pandian believes that the work done by the state government speaks for itself and it is the reason why people love him. "People see me as a foot soldier of Naveen Babu and that is why they love me. His work has rubbed off on me and I am proud to be associated with him," he said with a sense of gratitude and admiration for his 'guru'.
In the face of criticism and attacks, Pandian remains resolute in his support for Patnaik and his vision for the state of Odisha. He draws strength from the love and support of the people, as well as the work done by the state government. "All these attacks only make me stronger and more determined to see Naveen Babu succeed in his goals for Odisha," he concluded.
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