IAS Sujatha Karthikeyan, wife of BJD’s undeclared all-rounder VK Pandian, joined the function. Today he joined the work after returning from 6 months leave. Sujata’s Rout vacation application was rejected by the government. Sujata applied to stay on leave for another 6 months. Sujata’s application was rejected and she was advised to join.
After the BJ election disaster, Sujata went on a 6-month leave from May 31. Again he applied to extend his leave by another 6 months. Then the state government rejected Sujata’s appeal. State Public Administration Department Additional Secretary Manoj Kumar Mohanty wrote to Sujata informing her that the state government has rejected her leave application. Along with this he advised to join the job today.
Notably, Sujata, the wife of BJD’s important face VK Pandian, was a powerful influence in Naveen Patnaik’s government. However, it was known from the letter of Public Administration Department on June 6, 2024 that Sujata went on leave after the BJD election disaster. Sujata was granted 180 days leave (for child care) from May 31 to November 26. Sujata was also paid full salary during this leave period. She applied to the State Government for leave for her daughter’s 10th examination on the basis of the provision contained in Rule-18(d) of the All India Service Rules-1955. which was approved by the then Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena. Sujatha was removed from the post of Mission Shakti Secretary and replaced as Special Secretary, Finance Department on the orders of the Election Commission for allegedly supporting BJD during the general elections. Today he joined this new position.