VK Pandian’s wife, Sujata Karthikeyan, to join BJD? Shreemayee Mishra ‘Titanic’ post drops sharp hints

A cryptic yet fiery social media post by suspended Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Shreemayee Mishra has set off a fresh political controversy in Odisha, hinting at a 'plan to sink the Titanic', which political analysts believe is a veiled reference to internal shifts within the BJD.

Without directly naming anyone, Mishra’s post made sharp insinuations about VK Pandian’s wife, Sujata R Karthikeyan, and her alleged political ambitions, prompting widespread speculation about her possible entry into the BJD.

Shreemayee’s ‘Titanic’ Post Stirs Political Currents

In her post, titled “Who is sinking the Titanic?”, Shreemayee claimed there was a “worldwide plan to completely sink the Titanic”, suggesting that powerful forces were attempting to alter BJD’s leadership structure from within.

She wrote that “Shakti Nani,” a phrase seemingly alluding to Pandian’s wife Sujata, could soon join the party and be positioned for a Rajya Sabha seat, potentially triggering new political equations in the state.

Drawing sharp analogies, she remarked, “Just as she never found her ‘maternal home’ in Nuapada, she will now be seen searching for her ‘paternal home’ in Kendrapara.” The comment was widely interpreted as a reference to Sujata’s Odia roots and political positioning.

It is worth noting that in March this year, senior IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan obtained voluntary retirement from the government. Following this, political circles went abuzz about her potential entry into politics, given VK Pandian’s stature as BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik’s close aide.

Pandian As ‘Heir Apparent’

Shreemayee’s post went further, alleging a “hijack plan” to anoint a BJD successor through the back door by giving “Shakti Nani” an entry into the party. She questioned whether the party’s senior leaders and grassroots workers, who had devoted decades of service, would now operate under the influence of a “non-Odia couple.”

She also referred to the viral hospital video featuring senior BJD figures around Pandian, writing that “those who were once seen in the tuition class of Shakti Nani” were now cheering for the new power alignment.

In one of her most biting remarks, Shreemayee wrote: “Odisha has already rejected the Tamil son, how much respect will they give his wife?”

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The post served as a stark reminder of former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s statement that “Odisha’s people will choose their own successor,” questioning whether current developments within the party reflected that democratic choice.

The post, which has now gone viral, has ignited intense debate within political circles and on social media, with many interpreting it as a direct challenge to Pandian’s growing influence in Odisha politics.

As of the last reports, sources within BJD have not offered any comments on Shreemayee Mishra’s post.

Notably, the opposition party has also yet to counter any of Mishra’s previous allegations and claims, including those about Naveen Patnaik. As of the last reports, no confirmation of Sujata R Karthikeyan’s political entry has been made.