With Maharashtra Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik (IAS:1987:MH) set to retire on June 30, speculation is intensifying in bureaucratic circles over who will succeed her in the state’s top administrative post. While several names are in contention, Iqbal Singh Chahal (IAS:1989:MH), currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Home, has emerged as the leading contender.
Though Rajesh Kumar (IAS:1988:MH), Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue, is next in seniority after Saunik, his impending retirement in August gives him just two months in the role—making his appointment unlikely.
The second senior-most officer, Rajesh Aggarwal (IAS:1989:MH), is currently on central deputation as Secretary in the Union Ministry of Social Justice and is due to retire in November 2026. However, uncertainty looms over his return to the state cadre, with many in the bureaucratic circles suggesting that he may prefer to continue at the Centre.
This has brought the spotlight firmly on Iqbal Singh Chahal, who is third in the gradation list and is seen as a strong and stable choice. If appointed, he would get a seven-month term before his superannuation in January 2026—making his tenure more viable compared to his senior colleagues. Notably, this is not the first time Chahal’s name has surfaced for the Chief Secretary post. He was also a strong contender during the previous round when Sujata Saunik was appointed.
Apart from these three, a few other names are doing the rounds. If Rajesh Aggarwal opts to stay on in Delhi, the race could open up further. In that scenario, Bhushan Gagrani (IAS:1990:MH), currently serving as Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), could emerge as a serious contender. Another possible name is Anil Diggikar, Additional Chief Secretary, Divyang Kalyan Department, who is due to retire in May 2026 and is presently posted in the state.
As the retirement date nears, the corridors of Mantralaya remain abuzz with anticipation over who will take charge as Maharashtra’s next Chief Secretary.
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