Former IAS officer and close confidant of Naveen Patnaik, V K Pandian announces his withdrawal from active politics amid criticism after the BJD's defeat in the recent polls. Pandian, who had been targeted by the BJP for his Tamil origin, also apologizes for the party's loss and declares that his intent was only to assist Naveen Babu. Patnaik himself defends Pandian and clarifies that he is not his political successor. This move comes after Pandian's announcement that he would quit politics if Patnaik does not take oath as CM on June 9.
Background:
V.K. Pandian, a former IAS officer, served as a close confidant of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik for over a decade. He played a pivotal role in the Biju Janata Dal's (BJD) success in the 2019 elections and was widely seen as a potential successor to Patnaik.
Defeat in Recent Polls:
However, the BJD suffered a setback in the recent Rajya Sabha and Kendrapara by-elections, losing to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Pandian faced criticism for his handling of the BJD's campaign and was targeted by the BJP for his Tamil origin.
Announcement of Withdrawal from Politics:
Amidst the criticism, Pandian announced his withdrawal from active politics on June 8, 2023. He apologized for the party's loss and stated that his only intent was to assist Naveen Babu.
Patnaik's Defense:
Patnaik defended Pandian, clarifying that he is not his political successor. He stated that Pandian's decision to withdraw from politics was personal and that he respects it.
Top 5 FAQs:
Why did Pandian withdraw from politics?
Is Pandian Patnaik's political successor?
What was Pandian's role in the BJD?
What was the BJP's criticism of Pandian?
What is the future of Pandian's political career?
President Droupadi Murmu expressed her distress and offered heartfelt condolences to the families of devotees who lost their lives in a stampede at Tirupati on Thursday. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and urged for better crowd management at religious places. The stampede occurred on Wednesday night as devotees were jostling for tickets at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple on Tirumala Hills for the Vaikunta Dwara Darshanam.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has been in the news for its melting glaciers and concerns about climate change. However, its strategic importance has also caught the attention of leaders like President Trump who recently expressed interest in purchasing the island. This is not a new idea, as previous presidents have also considered acquiring Greenland due to its location, potential energy resources, and role in the Arctic region. This article explores the history of this proposition and the current geopolitical considerations surrounding Greenland.
The Supreme Court has agreed to examine the Central Bureau of Investigation's appeal against the acquittal of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and four others in the murder case of former sect manager Ranjit Singh. The case, which has seen multiple twists and turns, has been referred to Justice Bela M. Trivedi's bench, which is already hearing a related petition filed by the victim's father. The CBI has argued that Ram Rahim orchestrated the murder after suspecting Singh of leaking an anonymous letter accusing him of sexual misconduct. The case has attracted widespread public attention due to Ram Rahim's involvement and frequent paroles from prison.
As Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Supriya Sule voices the public demand for Minister Dhananjay Munde's resignation, a petition filed in the Bombay High Court by Dhananjay Deshmukh, brother of the murdered sarpanch, is withdrawn. The petition had alleged that Munde was linked to a criminal syndicate involved in the murder of his sibling in 2024. Sule cites a precedent in which a former Maharashtra CM resigned over a scam, calling for similar sensitivity towards this case.
The Election Commission of India has announced the schedule for the Delhi Assembly Elections 2025, with voting to take place on February 5 and counting of votes on February 8. The recent release of the final electoral roll shows a 1.09 per cent increase in the number of voters since the last draft. CEC Rajiv Kumar addressed concerns over EVMs and the election procedure, asserting the transparency and credibility of the Indian election process. The AAP, BJP and Congress are gearing up for a three-way battle, with the AAP currently in the lead after sweeping 2020 Delhi elections.
With the Delhi Assembly elections just around the corner, AICC Delhi in-charge Qazi Nizamuddin believes that the Congress party will successfully appeal to voters by focusing on key issues affecting citizens. He emphasized that the party only makes promises that have been fulfilled in Congress-ruled states and will prioritize cleaning the Yamuna, improving women's safety, reducing corruption, and addressing unemployment, all of which have been neglected by the current AAP government.
The BJP has refuted Delhi CM Atishi's accusation that her official residence was taken away by the Centre, stating that the allotment was withdrawn for her failure to take possession and ongoing CBI/ED investigation. The AAP leader, however, remains undeterred and vows to work for the people of Delhi even if it means operating from the streets. Delhi's 2025 election poll schedule has also been announced, with voting to take place on February 5 and results on February 8.
During a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump announced his plan to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Trump believes that the new name has a "beautiful ring" and is more appropriate, especially given the current state of relations between the US and Mexico. While this isn't the first time renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has been proposed, Trump's announcement has caused controversy and garnered attention.
The nation bids farewell to former President Jimmy Carter as his funeral procession takes place from the U.S. Navy Memorial to the Capitol in Washington D.C. The event was attended by many political figures and members of the public, paying their respects to the late President. Despite the solemn atmosphere, the streets were lined with people celebrating Carter's life and legacy.
Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan has released the draft guidelines for the UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025. These new regulations aim to bring flexibility, inclusivity, and excellence in faculty recruitment and career progression in Indian higher education institutions. They also align with the goals of the New Education Policy-2020 (NEP-2020) and place emphasis on Indian languages and interdisciplinary backgrounds. Additionally, the guidelines include specialized recruitment pathways for fields such as Yoga, Music, Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Sculpture, and Drama to attract the best talent and preserve India's cultural heritage.