Sujata Rout Karthikeyan

Sujata Rout Karthikeyan is a senior Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer who recently opted for voluntary retirement from her position as special secretary in the finance department. The wife of former bureaucrat-turned-BJD leader VK Pandian, her decision has sparked speculation about a potential entry into politics, particularly with the Biju Janata Dal, although she has stated that her reasons for leaving the IAS are purely personal. Holding a master's degree in international politics, Sujata has a background in public service and governance, and her retirement comes at a time when women's political representation is being emphasized in Odisha.