Ex-Bureaucrat Inducted Into BJD, Naveen Babu To Hold Party’s Rein Till Next Election

Finally, Biju Janata Dal has inducted ex-IAS bureaucrat Sujata Rout Karthikeyan in the presence of BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. She is the wife of V K Pandian, the most powerful bureaucrat in Odisha once upon a time. Meanwhile, Naveen Patnaik has put to rest rumours by announcing that he will continue to lead the party till the next election. Sujata’s claim to fame is her association with BJD’s flagship programme Mission Shakti aimed at women’s empowerment wherein, she created 70 lakh Self Help Group building an impressive vote bank for the BJD. Soon after her induction she chucked a googly saying “The future of politics lies in “We” and not “I” highlighting the importance of team work and shared responsibilities. A highly placed BJD sources said, “BJD needs to diversify its leadership with induction of more people with diverse background and experience as it did with Sujata Rout.” Who will take over the party eventually is the rumour that has been doing rounds for the last two-three years and there was an indication Sujata R Karthikeyan was being groomed for top leadership position? This is because Patnaik trusts the Pandians totally. Now, the big message that is coming out of BJD Headquarters is that Naveen Babu is not passing the baton at least for now. That should be like sweet music to the ears of the senior BJD leaders.