In RTI replies, collectors feign ignorance about V.K. Pandian’s ‘extravaganza’ tours in Odisha 

V.K. Pandian's controversial district tours in 2023 spark questions about expenses and purpose, prompting calls for investigation.

Whirlwind tours of various districts in 2023 by V.K. Pandian, a close aide of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, caused quite a stir for which Mr. Patnaik had to defend these visits on the floor of the House, stating that they had his approval. Ironically, many district collectors now claim ignorance about those visits.

Also read: V.K. Pandian, once a powerful figure in the BJD government, retires from active politics

In response to queries asked under Right Information Act, collectors of Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Puri, and Kendrapaara said they had no information about visits.

Pradip Pradhan, an RTI activist, had sought information on visit of Mr. Pandian wherein the district officials were present, expenditure incurred and total grievance petitions received. In response to the RTI application, the assistant collector (Nizarat) submitted that non information in the matter was available regarding expenditure, date of visit, and law and order.

When Pratap Chandra Mohanty, another RTI applicant, moved the Malkanagiri district collector on similar questions, the district’s assistant collector replied, “We are public information officer level, are not able to provide information… We don’t have information about his purpose of his all visits. Circulars of his visits are not found.” The Malkangiri district administration also informed it did not have any documentary proof or evidence of expenditure made.

Curiously, Malkangiri district administration had forwarded RTI application to Chief Minister’s Office for clarification, but the information was denied on the ground that the application was not forwarded in proper channel.

To a similar application submitted by Mr. Pradhan, Kendrapara district collector also informed that his office did not have any available on Mr. Pandian’s visit. Identical reply was also received from Puri district collector.