"It was my privilege to work under Naveen Patnaik's leadership": Former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan after joining BJD
Bhubaneshwar, June 25
Former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan on Thursday said joining the Biju Janata Dal has given her another opportunity to serve the people of Odisha, expressing gratitude for having worked under the leadership of BJD president Naveen Patnaik during her administrative career.
Karthikeyan said she considered it a privilege to have served the people of the state for 24 years and pledged to continue working with dedication and integrity in her new political role.
"It was my privilege to work under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik for 24 years and serve the people of Odisha. By joining the BJD, I have once again got an opportunity to work for the people of the state. With the support of the people and guidance of party leaders, I will work with complete faith, honesty and dedication," she said.
Patnaik welcomed the former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan into the party, stating that her extensive administrative experience, particularly in the field of women's welfare, would strengthen the party's efforts to serve the people.
While addressing the media, Patnaik said Karthikeyan has joined the BJD as a primary member and expressed confidence that she would make significant contributions, especially towards the empowerment and welfare of women.
"Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, a former IAS officer with significant administrative experience, particularly in overseeing women's affairs in the state, has joined the party as a regular member. I am confident that, with her experience, she will contribute to helping people, especially women, as she settles into her new role," Patnaik said.
He also reiterated his leadership role in the party ahead of future electoral contests.
A 2000-batch IAS officer, Karthikeyan holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, where she was a university topper, and a Master's degree in International Politics from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Yet another IAS officer joining BJD 🤔. Why do retired IAS officers jump into politics? Would have been better if she remained neutral. But anyway, all the best to her.
Naveen Patnaik has this unique ability to attract talented people. Her JNU background and administrative experience will be valuable for Odisha's development. But does BJD need another bureaucrat? Time will tell.
Lady Shri Ram and JNU topper... impressive credentials! But politics is different from administration. Hope she adapts well. Odisha needs more women leaders in politics.
Interesting move. In India, bureaucrats often join politics after retirement. Her focus on women's welfare could actually make a real difference at the grassroots level. Let's see if she brings fresh perspective.
Respectful criticism: This is exactly the problem with Indian politics - retired IAS officers jumping to ruling parties instead of maintaining neutrality. She should have joined as an independent or stayed in civil society.
Naveen Babu is building a team of professionals. First many IAS officers, now this. But where is the youth? Where is the grassroots worker? BJD needs to balance experienced bureaucrats with local leaders.
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