Everyone expected Neerabh Kumar to take over as the new CS of AP, having served as the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration (CCLA) till October 14. It has been a long-standing tradition for former CCLA chiefs to be appointed as Chief Secretaries. Contrary to expectations, Neerabh, one of the most senior IAS officers has been transferred to the general administration department by the AP government. The Jagan government has directed him to give a report on the irregularities in the department.
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The AP government has taken a decision appointing Adityanath Das as CCLA in place of Neerabh Kumar. With this decision there is a talk that Jagan would appoint Das as chief secretary. The term of current chief secretary Neelam Sawhney has already ended but she was given extension in the wake of Corona pandemic. She has already completed the extension for six months. There is news that Jagan would give the post to his most loyal person Adityanath Das.
Who is Adityanath Das?
Adityanath Das is the senior most IAS. He has held key posts during the regime of the late YSR government. Cases were registered against him as he was an officer in the Major Irrigation Department, and for allegedly being involved in the quid-pro-quo case of Jagan’s disproportionate assets. The central and state governments did not allow the CBI to question Adityanath Das in the assets case of YS Jagan. With governments not giving permissions, the High Court did not allow trial. With this, Adityanath Das continued to head key departments in undivided Andhra Pradesh. After bifurcation, Adityanath Das chose AP Cadre.
Check on Neerabh Kumar
AP government appointed Neerabh Kumar as the investigating officer in the LG Polymers case. The committee headed by him gave a report to the government after investigation. Known for his honesty, he submitted a report without any bias, which brought trouble for the Jagan government. Based on this report, the government had to register a case against LG Polymers. According to party sources, Jagan has decided in favour of Das in assumption that he may have to face problems if Neerabh is appointed as CS.
Under these circumstances, the opposition parties are finding fault with the decision of the AP government. They are alleging that Jagan is giving top priority to the officials who faced CBI inquiry in his disproportionate assets case. Many members of the services are whispering about YS Jagan’s policy of giving power to those close to him instead of those deserving.
