Former IAS Officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Enters Politics, Joins Naveen Patnaik-Led BJD (Watch Videos)

Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, widely recognized for her leadership of Odisha's flagship "Mission Shakti" initiative, formally joined the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday. She was officially inducted into the party by BJD president and former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a ceremony where she was welcomed as a primary member. Speaking to the media, Patnaik expressed confidence that Karthikeyan’s extensive background in civil administration would prove highly beneficial to the party's ongoing public outreach programs, particularly those centering around women's development.

"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," Patnaik said. "I am confident that, with her experience, she will contribute to helping people, especially women, as she settles into her new role." Odisha: Rights of Every Citizen Must Remain Intact: Naveen Patnaik Participates in SIR.

A 2000-batch IAS officer, Karthikeyan possesses more than two decades of bureaucratic experience in Odisha. Over her career, she held several pivotal roles, notably serving as the Director of Social Welfare and heading the Mission Shakti department, which manages and promotes the socio-economic empowerment of women’s self-help groups throughout the state.

Following her induction, Karthikeyan stated that her decision to enter active politics was driven by a desire to continue public service under Patnaik’s guidance.

"I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work under Naveen Patnaik's leadership and serve the people of Odisha for the last 24 years," she said. "Today, I am blessed to get this opportunity once again to work for the state under his leadership. With the grace of Lord Jagannath and the blessings of the people of Odisha, I shall continue to work with complete dedication." Sasmit Patra Quits As BJD’s Rajya Sabha Leader; Naveen Patnaik Accepts Resignation.

Mission Shakti Architect Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Joins BJD

VIDEO | Former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan joins the BJD. A Delhi University topper and JNU alumnus, she is credited with initiatives spanning women's empowerment, maternal welfare, nutrition, education and sports promotion during her administrative career.#BJD… pic.twitter.com/gVjdj2Cfm1

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2026

Sujata Rout Begins New Political Journey With BJD

#WATCH | Bhubaneswar | After joining BJD, Former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan says, "I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to work under Naveen Patnaik leadership and serve the people of Odisha for the last 24 years. Today again, I am blessed to get this opportunity… pic.twitter.com/PhGsHl7uDa

— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2026

During her tenure as a civil servant, Karthikeyan was credited with implementing several key welfare policies. As the District Collector of Sundargarh, she spearheaded a bicycle distribution program aimed at decreasing high dropout rates among tribal female students, an initiative that was eventually implemented statewide. She also played an integral role in introducing eggs to the state’s Mid-Day Meal scheme in 2006 and managing the "Mamata Scheme," a direct-benefit transfer initiative for pregnant and lactating mothers.

Her transition from bureaucracy to politics comes as the Biju Janata Dal refocuses its organizational strategies in the state following recent electoral shifts.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 25, 2026 01:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).