Many in the Secretariat are whispering into each other ears that the State of Telangana is being ruled by just two people. Any decision, big or small, should be taken only by those two. They are none other than CM KCR and Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar. Since the formation of Telangana in 2014, Somesh Kumar has been a close confidante of CM KCR. It is said that all decisions are being taken only by them, without the involvement of other bureaucrats.
Bureaucrats opine that the CM and CS’s approach in implementing laws related to Municipal, Panchayat and Revenue are far too aggressive. It seems that even high-ranking officials aren’t being consulted while drafting bills.
Key consequences and decisions
Following the swearing-in of KCR as the Telangana CM, several landmark decisions have been made, and key bills approved. The state government also effectively implemented many new laws. Generally, decisions taken must be debated in the cabinet and a consensus should be reached. However, this isn’t being followed as several ministers express their displeasure in private over not being apprised about the agenda until the bills are passed.
Chief Secretary following the same path
Officials say that the Chief Secretary takes the final call regarding what law should be made, what elements should be included and omitted. Principal Secretaries working in various branches too have expressed their unwillingness to work under the CS, questioning how all decisions can be taken by one man in a unilateral manner.
