- After the BJD’s electoral defeat in both the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, the conspicuous absence of VK Pandian, has left many questioning the future trajectory of the state’s political landscape.
- VK Pandian’s wife and IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan has decided to go on leave for nearly six months.
- The official notification elucidated that Sujata’s leave, categorized as ‘Child Care’ leave, commences from May 31 and extends till November 26.
- Merely a month before taking leave, Sujata was transferred from her position in the Department of Mission Shakti to the Finance Department, following allegations of misconduct and misuse of public office.
- Meanwhile, VK Pandian’s conspicuous absence from public view since the BJD’s electoral setback has only fueled speculation further.
- Pandian’s absence during critical political junctures, such as Patnaik’s resignation submission, has deepened the mystery surrounding the couple’s current whereabouts and intentions.
- Against the backdrop of Odisha’s shifting political tides, with the BJP poised to assume power, the decision by Sujata R Karthikeyan to embark on an extended leave has only intensified speculation and intrigue.
In the intricate web of Odisha politics, the decision by Sujata R Karthikeyan, the Special Secretary of Odisha’s Finance Department and wife of BJD leader VK Pandian, to embark on an extended leave of absence has ignited a flurry of speculation and intrigue.
Amid the aftermath of the BJD’s electoral defeat in both the assembly and Lok Sabha polls, the conspicuous absence of VK Pandian, a trusted confidant of former Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik, has left many questioning the future trajectory of the state’s political landscape. Adding to the intrigue, Sujata’s abrupt decision to take leave for six months, as announced through an official order from the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, has raised eyebrows and prompted scrutiny.
The official notification, issued on June 5, 2024, elucidated that Sujata’s leave, categorized as ‘Child Care’ leave, commences from May 31 and extends till November 26. The stated reason behind this leave of absence is to enable her to provide support to her minor daughter, who is diligently preparing for her upcoming Class 10 board exams, slated for the following year.
However, the timing of this decision has not escaped scrutiny, particularly in light of recent events. Merely a month before taking leave, Sujata was transferred from her position in the Department of Mission Shakti to the Finance Department, following allegations of misconduct and misuse of public office. These allegations, primarily leveled by the BJP, accused her of exerting undue influence on women self-help groups during the electoral process.
Meanwhile, VK Pandian’s conspicuous absence from public view since the BJD’s electoral setback has only fueled speculation further. Despite his prominent role alongside Naveen Patnaik, particularly during election campaigns, Pandian’s absence during critical political junctures, such as Patnaik’s resignation submission, has deepened the mystery surrounding the couple’s current whereabouts and intentions.
In the midst of swirling conjecture, senior journalists and experts have cast doubt on the official narrative. He contends that for an experienced bureaucrat like Sujata, whose expertise and guidance are highly valued by the state, the purported reason for her extended leave appears dubious at best.
Against the backdrop of Odisha’s shifting political tides, with the BJP poised to assume power, the decision by Sujata R Karthikeyan to embark on an extended leave has only intensified speculation and intrigue. As rumors abound and questions linger, observers remain vigilant, eagerly awaiting further developments that may shed light on the true motivations behind this unexpected turn of events.
(With inputs from agencies)
