Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Begins Political Journey with BJD, Pledges to Continue Serving People of Odisha

Bhubaneswar: In a significant political development, former senior bureaucrat Sujata Rout Karthikeyan on Thursday began her political journey with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), pledging to continue serving the people of Odisha.

She formally joined the party in the presence of BJD President and Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik at the party headquarters, Sankha Bhawan, in Bhubaneswar.

Sujata’s induction into the party was met with tremendous enthusiasm among the senior leaders, elected representatives, and party workers.

Welcoming her to the party, BJD President Naveen Patnaik said,  “I would like to welcome Shrimati Sujata Rout to the BJD. She has served as an IAS officer and held several important positions (during her career). I hope that, in her new role, she will continue working for the welfare of the people, especially women, and contribute meaningfully to public service.”

Expressing her gratitude after joining the party, Sujata thanked Naveen Patnaik for providing her with an opportunity to continue serving the people of Odisha through the political platform of the BJD.

She said, “I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik and serve the people of Odisha for the last 24 years. Today, once again after joining the Biju Janata Dal, I have got this opportunity once more of serving the people of my state under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik sir.”

Welcoming her induction, senior BJD leaders expressed confidence that her vast administrative experience, strong grassroots connect, and proven track record in social development would further strengthen the organisation. Party workers described her entry as a positive development that would infuse fresh energy into the party, particularly among women, youth, students, and rural communities.

The daughter of renowned paediatrician Dr. Akshaya Rout of Kendrapada district, Sujata Rout Karthikeyan is widely respected across Odisha for her distinguished career in public service. During her tenure in the civil services, she served as District Collector in several districts and earned widespread acclaim for her administrative efficiency, people-centric governance, and unwavering commitment to public welfare.

She is particularly credited with playing a transformative role in advancing women’s empowerment initiatives during Naveen Patnaik’s tenure as Chief Minister. As a key architect of several flagship programmes, she played a pivotal role in strengthening the Mission Shakti movement, which empowered more than seven million women across Odisha through self-help groups, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and social empowerment. She was also instrumental in the successful implementation of the state’s flagship Mamata Scheme, significantly contributing to maternal and child welfare across Odisha.

Political observers believe that Sujata Rout Karthikeyan’s foray into active politics could add a new dimension to Odisha’s political landscape while further strengthening the BJD’s outreach among women and grassroots communities.