BJP Moves ECI Demanding Suspension of V K Pandian’s Wife Sujata Karthikeyan

Bhubaneswar: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) seeking action against senior IAS officer Sujata R Karthikeyan, alleging that she is obstructing free and fair elections and inciting violence in Odisha.

In its memorandum sent to the ECI, the BJP demanded that the IAS officer be immediately shifted out of Odisha or her suspension to ensure free and fair election in the state.

The BJP in its petition claimed that that a triumvirate – IPS officer DS Kutey, IPS officer Ashish Kumar Singh and IAS officer Sujata Karthikeyan – is operating under the directions of BJD leader V K Pandian, who is the husband of Sujata, and the ‘political heir’ Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

The party alleged that these three civil servants were involved in gross violation of not only of All India Services Conduct Rules, but also of clear directions of the ECI and they violated the provisions of the electoral laws.

BJP sought action against Sujata Karthikeyan as per service rules.

The ECI had recently shifted her to a job not related to public dealing or polls in any manner.