The Odisha government made some significant changes in its administrative lineup recently. Sujata Karthikeyan, an IAS officer, was shifted from her role as Secretary of Mission Shakti to a new position as Special Secretary in the Finance department. This change came about following an instruction from the Election Commission of India.
According to a notification from the General Administration and Public Grievances department, Sujata Karthikeyan will now serve as the Special Secretary in the Finance department, relinquishing her previous responsibilities. In her place, Shalini Pandit, who was serving as Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, will take on the additional role of Secretary of Mission Shakti and Odia Language, Literature, and Culture.
The notification also mentioned that once Shalini Pandit assumes office, Sujata Karthikeyan’s additional charge of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture department will come to an end. This indicates a significant reshuffling of roles within the administration.
These changes were prompted by an order from the Election Commission of India, which directed the transfer of Sujata Karthikeyan to a department not involved in public dealings. The Commission’s decision came shortly after receiving a complaint from central leaders of the BJP. They accused Sujata of allegedly working as a partisan agent for the ruling BJD party in the state.
It’s worth noting that Sujata Karthikeyan is married to VK Pandian, a prominent figure within the BJD party. He transitioned from the All India Civil Services to state politics in October 2023. This connection likely added fuel to the accusations against Sujata, leading to the Election Commission’s intervention and subsequent administrative changes.
Overall, these developments highlight the intricate dynamics between bureaucracy and politics in Odisha. Administrative reshufflings, influenced by political affiliations and directives from higher authorities like the Election Commission, are not uncommon in the Indian bureaucratic landscape.