Bail recipients need to be returned to custody: Pandian, chairman of Odisha 5T

BJD leader and 5T chairman VK Pandian continued his campaign on Tuesday in Ganjam and Gajapati districts for BJD candidates in the next elections, saying that those out on bail need to go back to prison rather than to Parliament.

The 5T chairman said in his speech—without mentioning any names—that although prison is the ideal place for criminals to be, opposition political parties have elevated them to the status of candidates, and they had to be shown where they belong.

During his visit to the Mohana Assembly segment in Gajapati and the Chikiti Assembly segment in Ganjam district, Pandian encouraged voters to support the party’s candidates for the Berhampur Legislative Seat (Brugu Baxipatra), Mohana Assembly (Antarjyami Gamango), and Chikiti (Srup Deb). “We need 95% of voters to vote in order for our party’s candidates to win by a wide margin,” he said.

The 5T chairman took a hard stance against the opposition political parties, accusing them of talking big but never showing up for work. However, they only offer impoverished people with an allowance of Rs. 300, whereas the Naveen Patnaik government gives poor people a minimum allowance of Rs. 1000. The BJD leader advised people to avoid these kind of leaders.

Pandian expressed his admiration for senior minister Usha Devi at Chikiti. He said, “I have known her for the past 15 or 16 years and I am like a son to her.” The chairman of the 5T warned the public against opposition leaders who disseminate rumors and incorrect information. He urged BJD leaders and members to collaborate in order to develop Odisha.

Speaking about the restoration efforts of historic sites that the chief minister had initiated, Pandian declared his admiration for individuals belonging to every caste, religion, and faith. He continued, “The chief minister has worked to renovate places of worship, including temples, belonging to other religions.”

According to Pandian, the chief minister has approved development projects totaling Rs 45 crore for Chikiti and Rs 180 crore for Mohana. According to him, the CM also introduced a number of programs, such as BSKY, from which thousands of people have benefited.