Ruchika M Khanna
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, September 18
The resignation by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh today has led to widespread speculation regarding a complete overhaul in the state’s administration.
With Suresh Kumar, the Chief Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, too, hanging up his boots — his term was co-terminus with the CM — the corridors of power are abuzz with imminent change in the administrative guard as the political power changes hands.
Political adviser to CM Capt Sandeep Sandhu, too, put in his papers today.
Kumar, who had retired in 2016, was handpicked by the outgoing Chief Minister to head the administration in his government. Though Kumar, troubled by the legal challenge to his appointment, had threatened to resign several times, the Chief Minister prevailed upon him each time to continue. His term being co-terminus with the Chief Minister, Kumar now goes as the CPS. The new Chief Minister, as and when chosen, will pick his key officers. There is anticipation of a complete makeover in the Chief Minister’s Office, in the administration as well as in the state police.
The seniority list as well as the “political clout” of each officer at the top of the list is now being discussed so that the necessary changes can be effected. In Punjab, a change in political guard has generally led to a complete administrative shakeup. One of the rare exceptions was the continuation of the Director General of Police (DGP), when the Captain Amarinder government took over from the Akali-BJP regime in 2017, and Suresh Arora continued as the DGP till his superannuation. But all other departmental heads, including the Chief Secretary, were changed. The change in the administration is also apparent as the Captain Amarinder government was often targeted for “leaving government in the hands of his officers”.
Almost all officers at the helm, including those in the Advocate General’s office, have been at the receiving end of rebel ministers, PCC chief Navjot Singh Sidhu and many MLAs.
“Thus a massive change is on the anvil, as the Congress looks to make a fresh start in the government,” a senior officer in the government. The only issue, he points out, is the officers do not know who to lobby with for the top posts as the name of the next Chief Minister is not clear.
Top posts that may see change
Chief Secretary
Principal Secretary to CM
Posts in CM’s office
Director General of Police
Advocate General
Chief Principal Secretary goes, administration overhaul on cards
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