Sujata Karthikeyan joins Biju Janata Dal on June 25 as BJD chief Naveen Patnaik welcomes the former IAS officer and confirms he will lead the party in next elections.
Sujata Karthikeyan has joined the Biju Janata Dal. The development took place on June 25. Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, a former IAS officer, is now a member of BJD. She served the people of Odisha for 24 years in her earlier role. BJD chief and Leader of Opposition in the State Assembly, Naveen Patnaik, welcomed her to the party. He also made clear his plan for the next elections.
After joining BJD, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan said, “I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work under Naveen Patnaik leadership and serve the people of Odisha for the last 24 years. Today again, I am blessed to get this opportunity once again to work for the state under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik sir. With the grace of Lord Jagannath and blessings of people of Odisha, I shall continue to work for Odisha and her people with complete dedication and commitment.”
Sujata Karthikeyan Joins BJD: Naveen Patnaik’s Welcome
Naveen Patnaik said, “I would like to welcome Sujata Rout Karthikeyan to the Biju Janata Dal. She has been an IAS officer and has held several important positions in that office…I am sure that as time passes and she gets used to her new position, she will learn to help people, particularly women. I will be leading the Biju Janata Dal in the next elections. I want to make that very clear…”Naveen Patnaik highlighted Sujata Karthikeyan’s long experience as an IAS officer. He noted the many important positions she held during her service. The BJD chief expressed confidence that she would help people, with special focus on women, once she settles into her new role.
Sujata Karthikeyan brings over two decades of administrative experience to the Biju Janata Dal. Her past work was directly under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership. She has now moved from government service to active politics with the party. The former IAS officer spoke about her gratitude for the chance to serve Odisha again. She mentioned the blessings of Lord Jagannath and the people of the state. Her statement focused on dedication and commitment to public service.
This joining on June 25 strengthens the Biju Janata Dal with an experienced member. Naveen Patnaik has clearly stated that he will lead the party in the next elections. People in Odisha can expect Sujata Karthikeyan to take part in party work in the coming days. Her exact responsibilities will be decided by the party leadership. Sujata Karthikeyan has received a formal welcome from the top BJD leader. The move marks a new chapter for the former officer in Odisha politics.
Sujata Karthikeyan IAS Career Highlights
Sujata Karthikeyan is a native of Kendrapara district in Odisha. She studied Political Science at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, where she was a university topper. She later earned a Master’s degree in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University. Her career began in the Maoist-affected Sundargarh district. There she started several social initiatives. She held key positions including District Collector and Magistrate. She also served as Commissioner-cum-Secretary in departments such as Mission Shakti and Odia Language, Literature and Culture.
Her last posting was as Special Secretary in the Finance Department. Sujata Karthikeyan played a major role in Mission Shakti, a flagship programme that empowered around 70 lakh rural women in Odisha. Sujata Karthikeyan brings rich administrative experience to BJD. She worked under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership during her service. Her move from bureaucracy to politics comes after voluntary retirement earlier this year. Naveen Patnaik noted her important positions as an IAS officer. He expressed confidence that she would help people, especially women, in her new role. The former IAS officer received a formal welcome at the BJD headquarters. She joined as a primary member.
People in Odisha may soon see Sujata Karthikeyan actively involved in party activities. Her exact future responsibilities will be decided by the party. This development adds strength to BJD with an experienced and known face. Naveen Patnaik has clearly stated he will lead the party in the next elections. Sujata Karthikeyan expressed gratitude for the chance to serve Odisha again. She focused on dedication to the state and its people under Naveen Patnaik’s leadership.
