The Naveen Patnaik government’s 5T model of governance has continued to invite sharp criticism from the Odisha Opposition, particularly the BJP.

Bhubaneswar BJP MP and former IAS officer Aparajita Sarangi has taken the lead on this front and alleged that another power centre is emerging in the state at the cost of promoting a few officers under the new model of governance.

However, the BJD defended the model, saying: “Aparajita is making all these allegations out of jealousy. She is facing a severe identity crisis.”

Terming the 5T model (transparency, team work, technology, timely completion and transformation) of governance as an old concept, Aparajita on Sunday alleged: “By creating a separate department to implement it, the state government is undermining the position and dignity of the ministers and secretaries of other department.”

“All the departments should implement the 5T model and it should not be confined to two departments only. Senior officers accompanying their juniors on tours is not the right kind of governance. An attempt is being made to undermine the existing institutions.”

After returning to power for the fifth time in a row, Naveen launched the 5T model of governance under the “Mo Sarkar” programme and made his private secretary, V.K. Pandian, the secretary of 5T.

Pandian, who earlier used to confine himself to the chief minister’s office, started touring different districts to supervise the activities of various departments, particularly the medical institutions and the subsidised food centres. However, his style of functioning, particularly taking on-the-spot decision, has not gone down well with the Opposition.