Bhubaneswar, Jun 25: In a significant political development in Odisha, Sujata Karthikeyan, wife of former bureaucrat and influential BJD strategist VK Pandian, formally joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday at Sankha Bhawan in the presence of party supremo Naveen Patnaik.

Interestingly, during the ceremony, Naveen Patnaik inducted the former IAS officer into the BJD, addressing her as Sujata Rout, a detail that drew attention and sparked curiosity.

Her induction comes after weeks of speculation and discussions in political circles. Sujata, who earlier served in senior government positions, had been in the spotlight following allegations that she was working for the party while still holding office.

The Election Commission eventually removed her from her post ahead of the 2024 general elections, fuelling speculation about her political ambitions.

Also read: From Pandian to Sujata? Why Odisha’s Political Corridors Are Once Again Debating the Future of BJD

On Thursday, Sujata arrived at Sankha Bhawan where several senior leaders including Rajya Sabha MP Sulata Deo, BJD leaders Tukuni Sahu, Snehangini Chhuria, Padmanabh Behera, and MLA Dhruva Sahu were present to welcome her.

Sujata’s entry is seen as a continuation of the Pandian family’s association with the BJD. While VK Pandian announced his retirement from active politics after the party’s electoral setbacks in 2024, he has often been accused of wielding influence behind the scenes.

This has created unease among some leaders, with reports of dissatisfaction over his style of functioning.

Senior leaders including Badri Narayan Patra, Ranendra Pratap Swain, and Prasanna Acharya were conspicuously absent from the joining ceremony. Veteran leader Bhupinder Singh, explaining his absence, remarked, “I was not invited and have no knowledge of the event.”

Sujata’s induction has therefore sparked mixed reactions. Supporters believe her presence will strengthen the party’s women’s wing and add administrative experience to its leadership.

BJD leader Elina Das remarked that women in the party would feel more secure under female leadership. However, critics like Shreemayee Mishra took to social media to warn that such moves could weaken the party’s future, calling it a “root cause of decline.”

With BJD facing internal challenges and defections, Sujata’s entry is being closely watched. Party workers and leaders are now waiting to see how her role evolves and whether her presence will unify or further divide the cadre.

At the ceremony, Naveen firmly clarified that he himself will lead the BJD in the upcoming elections, reaffirming his role at the helm of the party’s campaign.