Dilip Cherian | Yogi picks a new chief secy: Is it show of defiance against Centre?

Putting speculations to rest, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath appointed Manoj Kumar Singh as the new chief secretary of the state. He took over from Durga Shanker Mishra, who was not granted a fourth extension beyond June 30.

For a while, there was widespread speculation in Lucknow about the possibility of another extension for Mr Mishra. Sources told DKB that the state government had sent a proposal to the Centre seeking an extension for Mr Mishra beyond June 30. However, the Centre indicated that no such proposal had reached Raisina Hill, effectively ruling out any further extension for Mr Mishra.

Notably, when Mr Mishra met with Union home minister Amit Shah in mid-June, a former Union secretary from Uttar Pradesh suggested it marked the end of Mr Mishra’s tenure as Uttar Pradesh’s chief secretary. Certainly, the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh has become increasingly fluid following poor results for the ruling party in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Mr Mishra's unexpected meeting with Amit Shah had fuelled rumours that he might stay on, by securing another extension as chief secretary. That was not to be. But with Manoj Singh’s appointment, Yogi has signalled to the Centre that he will continue to run the state government in his own chosen way.

Extended tenures of key babus signal stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to keep some of his old team while bringing in fresh faces into his Cabinet is all about continuity and stability. This can be seen in the makeup of his Cabinet and the choices his government has been making lately.

One big move was extending Tapan Kumar Deka's time as director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB) for another year beyond June 30, 2024. This shows that the NDA administration really trusts Mr Modi’s leadership and experience. To make this happen, the government even relaxed some rules, which may raise concerns in some quarters. But when national security is such a high priority, it won’t be questioned much.

Another similar move was extending Bharat Lal's tenure as secretary general of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Serving in the rank and pay of secretary to the Government of India on a contract basis, Lal’s extension beyond June 30, 2024, ensures the NHRC continues to benefit from his extensive experience and dedication.

These extensions are part of a bigger strategy to value seasoned babus who have proven their capabilities and earned Modi’s trust. The NDA government seems to be all about stability and sticking with policies that work. Keeping experienced leaders in critical roles aims to ensure a smooth transition and continued progress.

Lucky Ali alleges land grab by Rohini Sindhuri

Popular singer Lucky Ali's recent allegations against IAS officer Rohini Sindhuri and her family have kicked up a storm. Ali claims that Ms Sindhuri and her family have misused government resources and snatched his farmland in Yelahanka's Kanchenahalli area. This is a big deal and has got everyone talking.

Ali hasn't kept these claims to himself. He’s gone public, filing a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta Police. He says that Ms Sindhuri, her husband Sudhir Reddy, and her brother-in-law Madhusudan Reddy, have illegally grabbed his land, using their clout to escape it.

Sources say that this isn’t the first time Ali has brought this issue up. A few years ago, he accused the local police of taking Ms Sindhuri's side and asked higher-ups to step in, claiming there was a 'land mafia' conspiracy. These recurring accusations point to a long-standing and troubling dispute.

At its core, this is about more than just land. It's about the misuse of power and the integrity of public officials. If Ali's allegations are true, a senior IAS officer used her position for personal gain, which is a major breach of trust. The alleged involvement of the local police makes things even messier

Rohini Sindhuri’s past controversies add another twist to this saga. She was previously involved in a public spat with IPS officer D. Roopa, which led to both officers being removed from their posts. The episode was covered extensively in this column. This history makes the current allegations even more concerning and highlights the need to look closely at her actions.