Race Heats Up for Himachal’s Next Chief Secretary as Saxena Bows 'Out'
SHIMLA: With the Sukhu government completing nearly three years in office and still struggling to put many things in order, the search for the next Chief Secretary has turned into a high-stakes game inside Himachal’s power corridors.
Present CS Prabodh Saxena, who was already on a six-month controversial extension, is retiring on September 30. His re-extension is almost ruled out, thanks to a pending petition in the High Court questioning the legality of his extension.
Saxena also drew the ire of civil society groups for backing relaxation of Section 118 — a move critics say could open Himachal’s prime lands to real estate sharks. In short, the man leaves with more brickbats than bouquets.
Now, the babudom is abuzz with lobbying and speculation. Four names are doing the rounds, but one is clearly marching ahead in the race, according to insiders.
At the top is KK Pant, a 1993 batch officer with a reputation for simplicity. But are these qualifications in the present circumstances?
Currently holding key portfolios in the Sukhu government, Pant is widely seen as the natural choice. His clean image, accessibility, and administrative experience have given him an edge over rivals, say insiders.
But babudom never runs on simplicity alone. Sanjay Gupta, the senior-most officer from the 1988 batch, technically carries the strongest claim and is a hard bargainer, reveal insiders.
Yet his past controversies, particularly over his handling of the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board, continue to haunt him. Many believe his opponents have successfully weakened his shot by reminding everyone of those old ghosts.
Then there’s Onkar Chand Sharma, once seen as a frontrunner. He fell from grace in Sukhu's eye after submitting a sensitive report in the Vimal Negi's death case, following which he was sidelined and divested of key home and revenue portfolios.
Now, despite his seniority, his chances look dim as Sharma remains a loner in the Secretariate with no Minister openly pitching for him", say insiders.
The fourth name, Anuradha Thakur of the 1994 batch, is currently serving at the Centre in important roles. While her seniority is unquestionable, insiders say she is unlikely to make a return to Shimla to curry favor with the Sukhu government.
For Sukhu, who returns from his London trip on September 28–29, this will be a crucial decision.
After all, with three years gone, his government needs a CS who can steady the ship, deliver on pending promises, and negotiate the political turbulence.
The mood in babudom is clear — the gloves are off, the files are flying, and the corridors of Shimla Secretariat are thick with whispers.
All eyes are on Sukhu now: Will he play it safe with Pant, gamble on Gupta’s seniority, or spring a surprise? Or Will Saxena get another extension?
One thing is certain — in the bureaucratic chessboard of Himachal, the Chief Secretary’s chair is the king’s move.
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