Sujata R Karthikeyan Seeks Voluntary Retirement Amid Political Shifts

Senior IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan has sought voluntary retirement, citing personal reasons. Karthikeyan, spouse to V K Pandian, had been transferred following office misuse allegations. Her husband, once active in politics, withdrew from BJD activities after election defeats, reflecting recent political dynamics within Odisha.

Sujata R Karthikeyan, a prominent IAS officer from the 2000 Odisha cadre, has decided to opt for voluntary retirement, according to official sources on Saturday. Karthikeyan serves as the special secretary in the finance department.

Her decision follows her husband V K Pandian's similar move in October 2023, when he left bureaucratic duties for a political career with the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), a move from which he later withdrew following electoral setbacks in the Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

Karthikeyan was reassigned to a non-public dealing department by the Election Commission in May 2024 amid allegations of office misuse. Subsequently, her leave was extended until November 26 last year, although a further extension was denied by the BJP-led state government.

(With inputs from agencies.)