Vijayawada: June 6:: With the change in government in Andhra Pradesh, significant alterations are occurring within the State’s administrative framework. The Officials who played key roles under the previous YSR Congress government now find their positions increasingly untenable.
State chief secretary KS Jawahar Reddy, who faced numerous accusations from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) during the elections for allegedly favouring the YCP, has taken leave. On Wednesday morning, Jawahar Reddy met with TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu before going on leave. Similarly, Finance secretary Rawat has also taken leave, citing ill health.
Reports indicate that a new chief secretary is expected to be appointed by this evening or Friday (June 7). Additionally, senior IPS officer Balasubramaniam is expected to be appointed as the AP Intelligence Chief. Similarly, senior IAS officers Sai Prasad, Girija Shankar, and Siddharth Jain, who previously worked in the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), are likely to be reappointed.
In a related development, several IPS officers attempted to meet with Chandrababu Naidu as courtesy visits but were denied access. The TDP leadership has been firm in rejecting these attempts, alleging that these officials were closely aligned with the previous government. Notably, senior IPS officer PSR Anjaneyulu, who served as Intelligence chief under the YSRCP government, was turned away by security personnel at Naidu’s residence.
Officials perceived to be close to former chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy are facing resistance as they seek to engage with the new administration. SIT chief Kolli Raghurami Reddy, who headed the Special Investigation Team investigating various decisions made during the TDP’s previous tenure (2014-19), has been instructed to report to the Director General’s office, relieving him of all responsibilities. Raghurami Reddy’s attempt to secure an appointment with Chandrababu Naidu was similarly rejected.
Another key official, CID chief Sanjay, faced a similar fate when he attempted to meet Naidu. Security personnel stopped his car at the gate of the chief minister’s residence and denied him entry. Sanjay had been instrumental in registering cases against Chandrababu Naidu during the YSRCP government. His leave application to travel abroad was also cancelled post-election results.
Amidst these transitions, former IPS officer and additional director general AB Venkateswara Rao, who was sidelined by the YSRCP government for five years, visited Naidu on Thursday morning. There is speculation that Venkateswara Rao may play a significant role in the new TDP government.
As Chandrababu Naidu prepares to take oath as chief minister soon, numerous officials are attempting to align themselves with the new administration. However, the TDP leadership remains resolute in its approach, signaling a stringent vetting process for those seeking positions within the new government.