VK Pandian's Wife Sujata Rout Karthikeyan Joins BJD; Naveen Patnaik Dismisses Succession Speculation

Summary

Sujata Rout Karthikeyan, the wife of VK Pandian, has formally joined the Biju Janata Dal, or BJD, as a simple member. Naveen Patnaik, the party leader, has welcomed her and stated that he will continue to lead the BJD in the next elections, dismissing speculation about succession. Sujata, a former Indian Administrative Service officer, has said she will work sincerely for the people of Odisha, following her resignation from the civil services.