Bhubaneshwar, June 25 -- Former IAS officer Sujata Rout Karthikeyan on Thursday said joining the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has given her another opportunity to serve the people of Odisha, expressing gratitude for having worked under the leadership of BJD president Naveen Patnaik during her administrative career.

Karthikeyan said she considered it a privilege to have served the people of the state for 24 years and pledged to continue working with dedication and integrity in her new political role.

"It was my privilege to work under the leadership of Naveen Patnaik for 24 years and serve the people of Odisha. By joining the BJD, I have once again got an opportunity to work for the people of the state. With the support of the people and guidan...