Will VK Pandian re-enter BJD with wife Sujata Karthikeyan?

Speculation is rife once again in Odisha's political circles about a potential re-entry of former 5T Chairman VK Pandian into the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), this time along with his wife Sujata Karthikeyan. The political atmosphere heated up after the couple was seen visiting an injured BJD leader at the hospital following the recent Lok Seva Bhawan gherao incident.

This move has reignited discussions over Sujata being projected as the political successor to former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik. While this isn't the first time such rumours have emerged, the renewed visibility of the Pandian couple in party-linked events is fuelling the fire.

Political analysts have noted the significance of both Pandian and Sujata voluntarily retiring from IAS service, suggesting coordinated plans. Sujata, who was earlier speculated to be brought into active politics, reportedly failed to gain entry due to internal opposition from senior BJD leaders. However, their recent public appearance together has once again stirred the pot.

Sources say Pandian, long considered Naveen Patnaik’s shadow, might now be strategizing Sujata’s political entry after his own attempt faced backlash. 

"When non-Odias in Delhi are controlling the Odisha government, what is wrong if a skilful officer works for the BJD? Naveen Babu has clearly stated that the people of Odisha will choose his successor," said BJD leader Sarada Jena.

In response, the BJP has reacted sharply, calling any such move by the BJD to promote Sujata as its supreme leader will be 'suicidal' for the party.

"He (Pandian) has not actually taken retirement from politics as per his announcement. He has still kept BJD under his control through the back door. It will sink BJD further. Nobody in Odisha will accept Pandian and his wife anymore. BJD is going to make another suicidal attempt," said BJP leader Ashwini Sarangi.

While there is no official confirmation of any formal political role for either of them, speculation is rife that the Pandian duo may be inching closer to a return to the limelight — this time, perhaps, as a political power couple.

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BJD appears to be increasingly divided over the influence of Pandian. Both veteran and young leaders within the party blame Pandian as a key reason behind the 2024 electoral debacle. Despite the murmurs of dissent, party supremo Naveen Patnaik seems to be listening to no one but Pandian, keeping him close and firmly in control.

An example of this is the recently formed political affairs committee—the first in 24 years of the party’s history—which is visibly dominated by Pandian loyalists. It is widely believed that all crucial decisions in the party are still made under Pandian’s command, fuelling internal dissatisfaction.

According to political analysts, this growing discontent could erupt into full-blown rebellion if Naveen declares Sujata, Pandian’s wife, as his political successor.

"Pandian has been rejected in BJD, and most of the leaders in the party are not able to accept him till now. A large group within the party is refusing to accept Pandian. Under such circumstances, the effort to bring Sujata to the forefront will boomerang for the party. The resentment over Pandian might get doubled," said senior journalist Prasanna Mohanty.

The debate around Sujata’s role is gaining momentum within the BJD. Some party insiders speculate that she might make a formal political entry on the party’s foundation day, December 26. Others see her as a potential candidate for a Rajya Sabha seat next year.

However, the continued dominance of the Pandian couple, especially when the party remains structurally weakened even 13 months after its defeat, is believed to be stoking the flames of dissatisfaction rather than calming them. Observers suggest that the leadership's current course could deepen internal rifts, especially if the grip of Pandian and Sujata over party decisions tightens further in the coming months.