Law Minister Demands Clarity on Helicopter Expenses
A significant political controversy has erupted in Odisha over the extensive use of a helicopter by V K Pandian, a former bureaucrat who served as a close aide to the previous Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. Pandian, who stepped away from politics following the BJD’s losses in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, is now facing scrutiny over the financial aspects of his helicopter usage during his tenure as Patnaik’s private secretary.
Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan raised concerns about the transparency of the helicopter’s expenses and the construction of 450 helipads that facilitated Pandian’s travels. “We lack clarity on who bore the cost of the helicopter operations and how the helipads were financed,” Harichandan stated. He revealed that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the source of the funds and the process through which permissions were granted for the helicopter’s use by a department secretary, which is not typically provided for in official regulations.
Government’s Investigations into Helicopter Usage
The controversy has intensified with the announcement by State Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena that the government is actively investigating Pandian’s use of the helicopter. “The extensive and frequent use of state resources for personal travel raises serious concerns,” Jena said. He emphasized that any misuse of government funds will be addressed decisively. Jena also noted that many had raised issues about Pandian’s helicopter usage, which occurred between February 2020 and December 2023, and described it as an extravagant and questionable expenditure.
Congress Calls for Broader Probe
Congress leader Bijay Patnaik has criticized the current government for not addressing broader allegations of corruption associated with the previous BJD administration. Patnaik has called for a comprehensive investigation into various alleged financial irregularities, including Pandian’s helicopter expenses. “The government should not only investigate the helicopter costs but also look into the Rs 35,000 crore alleged corruption in rural drinking water supply, the Rs 20,000 crore spent on procuring COVID-19 equipment, and other irregularities,” Patnaik urged. He emphasized the need for a detailed audit of funds used during the pandemic to ensure accountability.
BJD Defends the Former Official’s Actions
In response to the allegations, BJD leader Sambit Routray defended Pandian’s actions, asserting that the helicopter was used for legitimate purposes, including conducting public hearings across the state. Routray accused the BJP of using the controversy to divert attention from their own governance issues. “The BJP’s focus on investigating these issues is an attempt to distract from their failures. Instead of targeting the previous administration, which completed numerous development projects, including roads and temple constructions, the current government should concentrate on the state’s progress,” Routray argued.
Political Implications and Broader Context
The debate over V K Pandian’s helicopter usage reflects broader political tensions in Odisha. The accusations and counterclaims highlight the ongoing scrutiny of the previous BJD government’s practices and the current administration’s handling of these controversies. As investigations unfold, both the opposition and the ruling party continue to present divergent perspectives on the legacy of past governance and the integrity of current practices.
The situation underscores the complexities of political accountability and the importance of transparency in government operations. As the investigation into Pandian’s helicopter use progresses, it will likely have significant implications for Odisha’s political landscape, influencing public perception and potentially shaping future electoral dynamics.
(With inputs from agencies)
