Following Biju Janata Dal's humbling defeat in Odisha, former chief minister Naveen Patnaik's aide VK Pandian announced his retirement from active politics.
"Now consciously I decide to withdraw myself from active politics. I am sorry if I have hurt anyone on this journey. I am sorry if this campaign narrative against me has had a part to play in BJD's loss," said Pandian in a video message.
He apologised to the "BJD family" for the electoral loss, while thanking the people of Odisha for "giving him a chance to serve them".
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