Bhubaneswar: Senior IAS officer Sujata R. Karthikeyan, wife of former bureaucrat-turned-politician V.K. Pandian, has taken voluntary retirement from government service, sparking widespread speculation about her potential entry into the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).
The Centre recently approved Ms. Karthikeyan’s request for voluntary retirement, effective from March 13, 2025. This move closely follows her husband, V.K. Pandian’s, own transition from a prominent bureaucratic role to politics.
Ms. Karthikeyan, a 2000-batch Odisha cadre officer, held the position of Special Secretary Finance. She is recognized for her contributions to key developmental initiatives, including the introduction of the Mamata Yojana and her significant role in the Mission Shakti program.
While Ms. Karthikeyan has stated that her decision to retire was personal, sources within the BJD suggest that the party may be considering her inclusion to bolster its support base, particularly among women. This is seen as especially relevant in light of the move to increase women’s representation in upcoming elections.