ECI orders transfer of VK Pandian’s wife Sujata Karthikeyan based on allegations of BJP

Bhubaneswar: The Election Commission of India (ECI) today ordered the transfer of 5T Chairman VK Pandian’s wife and senior bureaucrat Sujata Karthikeyan to a non-public dealing department with immediate effect, reported ANI quoting sources. She is presently the Secretary of Odisha’s Mission Shakti department.

The ECI order was issued close on the heels of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)’s accusation that the senior bureaucrat was ‘misusing’ her position and was mobilising women self-help group (WSHG) members for alleged electoral gains in support of the ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) in Odisha.

However, ECI has not yet commented on the transfer order.

ECI orders transfer of Sujata R Kartikeyan, Commissioner cum Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti, Odisha to a non-public dealing department with immediate effect. Action taken based on complaints of alleged misuse of public office: Sources

— ANI (@ANI) May 2, 2024