By NSB.News
There is a growing perception that in BJP-ruled states, the appointment of the Chief Secretary increasingly reflects the Centre’s preference. Several past appointments have strengthened this belief, with names like Rajesh Aggarwal in Maharashtra and Srinivas in Rajasthan often cited as examples of a broader emerging pattern.
Observers note that these appointments suggest a trend where the Union government’s choice plays a decisive role in selecting the top bureaucrat of the state, particularly in states governed by the BJP. While officially the process follows established service rules and consultation mechanisms, the consistency of outcomes has kept the debate alive among political and administrative circles.
The next major test of this perceived pattern is expected in Odisha. The state’s Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja, who was granted a one-year extension, is due to retire in December 2025. As his tenure nears its end, speculation has begun over whether Odisha will also see a Chief Secretary who is widely viewed as the Centre’s preferred choice.