The corridors of power in Madhya Pradesh are abuzz with speculation as the state prepares for a change in its top administrative leadership. Dr Rajesh Rajora and Alka Upadhyay have emerged as the leading contenders for the crucial post of Chief Secretary, following the impending retirement of the incumbent Chief Secretary Anurag Jain and Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) JN Kansotia in August. Anurag Jain, a 1989-batch IAS officer, is set to turn 60 on August 11, while his batchmate JN Kansotia will attain 60 years of age on August 12.
Both officers, who commenced their IAS careers simultaneously on August 21, 1989, are scheduled to officially retire on August 31, marking the end of a significant chapter in the state’s bureaucracy. If Chief Secretary Jain does not receive an extension, Dr Rajesh Rajora, a 1990-batch IAS officer, is widely considered the most senior and prominent claimant for the Chief Secretary role.
Rajora currently serves as the ACS and Vice President of the Narmada Valley Develo-pment Department. Also in strong contention is Alka Upadhyay, a distinguished female IAS officer from the same 1990 batch as Rajora. Upadhyay, who is presently serving as Secretary in the Animal Husbandry Depar-tment at the Centre, has reportedly expressed interest in administrative engagements within Madhya Pradesh. Furthermore, Pankaj Agarwal, a 1992-batch IAS officer currently on central deputation, could see his prospects brighten if the central Government actively participates in the selection process, given its track record of making “surprising decisions” for Chief Secretary and Director General of Police appointments in other states.