VK Pandian not my successor: Naveen Patnaik says people to choose his ‘heir’

VK Pandian not my successor: Naveen Patnaik says people to choose his ‘heir’

Keywords: Naveen Patnaik, VK Pandian, Odisha, Successor

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday said that VK Pandian is not his successor and that the people of Odisha will choose his ‘heir’.

Addressing a press conference, Patnaik said, “VK Pandian is not my successor. The people of Odisha will choose my heir.”

Patnaik’s statement comes in the wake of speculation that Pandian, who is currently the state’s finance minister, is being groomed to take over as the chief minister.

Pandian, a close confidant of Patnaik, has been given additional charge of several key departments, including home and finance. He is also seen as the de-facto number two in the state government.

However, Patnaik’s statement has put an end to the speculation and made it clear that he has no plans to hand over the reins of the state to Pandian or any other individual.

Patnaik has been the chief minister of Odisha since 2000. He is the longest-serving chief minister in the state’s history.