Bhubaneswar, June 25 -- The long-running speculation around former IAS officer and VK Pandian's wife, Sujata Karthikeyan, joining the BJD may finally end on Thursday. Political circles are abuzz after BJD president Naveen Patnaik called a meeting at Shankha Bhawan, where a formal induction is expected to take place.

This is not the first time Sujata's entry into the party has been discussed. Earlier attempts reportedly did not move forward due to opposition from a section of leaders. This time, however, several party leaders have come out openly in her support.

BJD MLA Tukuni Sahu said she had worked closely with Sujata during her bureaucratic career and praised her focus on women's welfare.

"I worked with Sujata Madam when I was a min...