The BJP government in Odisha has rejected a request from ex-BJD leader VK Pandian's IAS wife seeking an extension of her childcare leave. IAS Sujata R Kartikeyan had sought to extend her leave for an additional six months.

On June 5, a day after election results were announced and the BJP dethroned BJD, Karthikeyan was allowed to go on leave until November 26

The Odisha government's move to reject Kartikeyan's plea came months after the Election Commission in May ordered her immediate transfer from the Department of Mission Shakti to a non-public dealing department after the BJP complained of allegedly misusing public office.

VK Pandian served as private secretary in the chief minister’s office since 2011 and was widely considered as one of the most powerful officers in Odisha