VK Pandian, the Chief of Odisha’s 5T Scheme, faced an assault with tomatoes during the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ event held in Belaguntha, Ganjam district. The assailant, purportedly identified as a Congress worker and resident of Belaguntha, targeted Pandian as he arrived in a special helicopter around noon. Despite security measures, the individual hurled tomatoes at Pandian on his way to the venue, prompting intervention from security and police personnel who apprehended the assailant.
Subsequently, BJD members reportedly seized the assailant from the police and subjected him to physical assault before law enforcement intervened and escorted him to the police station. Despite the disruption caused by the incident, the program proceeded without further interruptions, although there were allegations of misconduct by BJD members in the presence of law enforcement.
In response to the incident, Pandian addressed the audience, expressing resilience in the face of such challenges, stating, “You can throw eggs, tomatoes & ink at me or even fire bullets but it would not stop me from meeting and serving the people of Odisha.” This incident adds to a series of attacks and protests Pandian has encountered, including incidents involving eggs, black flags, and ink thrown at him during previous engagements, notably during his tenure as Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s secretary (5T). Pandian retired from his position voluntarily in October and subsequently joined the BJD in the following month.
The accused assailant has reportedly been at odds with Pandian’s initiatives over recent months, although neither the Congress nor the BJD has officially responded to the incident at the time of reporting.