Bhubaneswar.
The BJP government in Odisha has launched a probe into the alleged extensive use of government helicopters by VK Pandian, a close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, during the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government following the BJP’s defeat in the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, Pandian, who later retired from active politics, is accused of indiscriminately using government helicopters to hold grievance redressal hearings at the doorsteps of people. Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Vibhuti Bhushan Jena said that the state government will appoint Pandian, a retired IAS officer of the year 2000. It is investigating the widespread use of helicopters. Action will definitely be taken against the misuse of public exchequer. People have raised questions over Pandian’s frequent helicopter trips across the state between February 2020 and December 2023. According to the data submitted by state BJP leaders, Pandian had visited 190 places for grievance redressal hearings across all 30 districts of Odisha in 2023. The previous BJD government claimed that Pandian had collected 57,442 petitions during the session, out of which 43,536 issues were resolved. However, it did not disclose the amount spent on the helicopter trip. Odisha Law, Excise and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said that during this period, 450 helipads were constructed in Odisha so that the helicopters used by Pandian could land easily. It is estimated that approximately Rs 3 lakh will be spent for the construction of each helipad. A proper investigation will be made into who gave permission for the construction of the helipad and under what head the expenditure was incurred. Meanwhile, defending Pandian’s use of helicopter, BJD leader Sambit Routray said he was visiting various places in the state for public hearings on behalf of the Chief Minister. Ever since it came to power in the state, the BJP has been making noise without any fuss. At the same time, Congress leader and former chief secretary Vijay Patnaik also demanded a thorough inquiry into Pandian’s use of helicopters.
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