Sujata Pandian, the secretary of Odisha Mission Shakti, was reportedly transferred by the ECI on Thursday due to accusations of misusing her position.
According to sources cited by the national media, “ECI orders Sujata R. Karthikeyan, Commissioner/Secretary, Department of Mission Shakti, Odisha, to be transferred immediately to a non-public dealing department.” Reaction to reports of purported abuse of public office.”
Sujata Pandian was the target of a complaint filed by the state unit of the BJP with the ECI earlier in the day, alleging that the official had abused her position of power and used SVEEP to sway voters in favour of the BJD.
In its complaint, the BJP claimed that Sujata, the BJD leader VK Pandian’s wife, is acting as the party’s agent. The party claimed that in addition to intimidating SHG members into voting for the BJD, she is also influencing voters by means of the Mission Shakti Department.
The saffron party insisted that the official be removed from his Secretary position and not allowed to handle any public relations duties until after the Odisha Assembly and Parliamentary Elections are over.
“BJD’s true goal is not women’s empowerment. Instead, during election time, it makes use of female SHGs for its own purposes. Sujata Pandian is alleged to have threatened SHGs to work for the BJD and abstain from voting for the BJP. BJD’s desire to exploit SHGs for personal advantage has been demonstrated, according to BJP spokesman Anil Biswal.
The concerned Secretary and the Mission Shakti Department did not respond with any remarks on this matter.
