By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, February 10, 2018: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik’s private secretary, V K Pandian appears to have earned the wrath of opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and a section of ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leaders.

Scores of BJP workers on Saturday vandalized Pandian’s official residence here accusing him of working for the ruling (BJD) in the state. Police arrested four members of the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha for indulging in vandalism.

Describing it as “absolutely shocking” chief minister Naveen Patnaik said on the sidelines of his Puri visit for ongoing silver jubilee function of the solemn ‘Pattabhishek’ ceremony performed by Puri Shankaracharya at the Govardhan Peeth, “It’s an absolutely shocking incident. Particularly as some members of a national party have agreed that they took part in the incident. It’s truly shocking.”

The state bodies of the IAS, IPS and Odisha Administrative Service also condemned the attack.

Indian Administrative Service Association Secretary Vishal Dev said all IAS officers belong to the central government and such attacks will not be tolerated.

“IAS officers should not be targeted personally. They belong to the central government. It is sad and unfortunate to see that an IAS officer is being targeted here. Time has come to initiate strong action,” said Dev.

On behalf of the Indian Police Service Association, Additional Director General Sudhansu Sarangi said such vandalism and intimidation of a government officer is “totally unjustified and unacceptable”.

Meanwhile, a BJP delegation on Saturday met Odisha Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to seek the dismissal of four bureaucrats, including Pandian.

In fact, BJD leader and Kendrapara MP, Baijayant Panda was allegedly suspended from the party by Naveen Patnaik as he dared take on Pandian directly. The move sent message to all closet or potential Pandian baiters and forecloses any possibility of a Panda-like revolt against him in the foreseeable future.

The BJP accused Pandian, his wife and IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan, IPS officer D.S. Kutey who is Officer on Special Duty to the chief minister and OAS officer Gopabandhu Dash who is Joint Secretary to Patnaik of working for the BJD.