Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The Odisha government has nominated Nabin Odisha as a Cabinet Minister and VK Pandian, the previous 5T Secretary who retired voluntarily, as the Chairman 5T (Transformational Initiatives). A governor-signed notification states that Pandian would report directly to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.
It is important to note that Pandian’s request for voluntary retirement was granted by the Center on Monday. Pandian, who joined the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in 2011, is regarded as one of Naveen Patnaik’s closest confidantes.
Originating from Tamil Nadu, he faced harsh criticism lately from the Opposition for taking the people’s complaints directly during meetings, acting as the Chief Minister’s representative. He has been accused by opposition parties of engaging in political activities on behalf of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
