BJD leaders remain divided over Sujata Karthikeyan’s probable entry in party

Politics within Biju Janata Dal (BJD) over Sujata Karthikeyan’s probability of entering party politics shows no signs of subsiding, with leaders offering contrasting statements. While some party leaders have openly praised her, others have indirectly expressed opposition, reflecting internal differences within the party, sources said on Wednesday.

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Cuttack civic body Mayor Subhash Singh strongly defended Sujata Karthikeyan, stating that the decision on whether she joins the BJD rests solely with party president Naveen Patnaik. He said that if Naveen Patnaik approves her entry, everyone in the party would welcome the decision. Singh’s remarks were seen as praise wrapped in strong political messaging.

“Only leader in the party (BJD) is Naveen Patnaik. We all are working together to strengthen his hands. She (Sujata Karthikeyan) had been supporting the party during previous (BJD-led) government. Nowadays, she has left her job and is entirely assisting the party supremo. Hence, the party chief will take a final call in this regard,” the Mayor stated.

Amid growing speculation, senior BJD leader and Binjharpur legislator Pramila Mallik also reacted to the issue. She stated that if Sujata Karthikeyan joins the party, she would work as a party worker like everyone else.

Pramila Mallik noted that many IAS officers had entered politics in the past to serve the people of Odisha and said there is no problem if Sujata followed the same path. She clarified that whether the BJD wants her or not would be decided by the party supremo.

Earlier, BJD MP Debashish Samantaray had taken a critical stand nearly a couple of days ago, warning that Sujata’s entry into the party would be a political mistake. He linked the party’s debacle during 2024 General Elections to leadership acceptance issues, suggesting internal dissatisfaction within the organisation.

“Acceptability for a person (VK Pandian) is not there among the people of Odisha. This was proved during the elections. How will she (Sujata), who is not liked by the people, now be acceptable in the party? Such a decision will be a political blunder,” Debashish had said.