Ranchi is wondering about the fate of Sudhir Tripathi (IAS:1985:JH) who is scheduled to retire in the next five days as Jharkhand's CS. The question at the back of the mind of every senior official is whether Tripathi may get an extension or not; and if a new CS is appointed, who that person may be. In view of the forthcoming LS poll, the EC may be fully involved in the process. 

 

A section of officials believes that Tripathy may be granted an extension of three months beyond 31 March 2019. On the issue of appointment of a new CS, there are several takes.

 

It is pointed out that before Rajbala Varma (IAS:1983:JH) was appointed CS on 31 March 2016, Udai Pratap Singh (IAS:1984:JH) was considered the likely successor to the outgoing CS Rajiv Gauba. It is said that following some assurance Singh was so sure of his appointment as CS that he turned down his appointment as Central Government's DG Tourism and the post (DG Tourism) was left vacant for over three months. It is further pointed out that in the 48 hours before the outgoing CS left for Delhi invisible forces and pragmatic political considerations swung the situation in favor of Rajbala Varma.

 

Similarly, after the completion of Rajbala’s tenure in February 2018, everyone in the CMO considered Amit Khare (IAS:1985:JH) as the next CS but again, in the last hours, Sudhir Tripathy was (on 28 Feb 2018) announced as the new CS. Later, on May 18, 2018, Khare (then Development Commissioner, Jharkhand) moved to the Centre as I&B Secretary. Now the outgoing CS Sudhir Tripathi is set to complete the second extended tenure on March 31.

 

These cases of sudden swings are making everyone keep their fingers crossed about the appointment of a new CS.