The extended tenure of Himachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena (IAS:1990:HP) is set to end on September 30, 2025, and yet again, power corridors in Shimla are abuzz with speculation over his successor. While the set of contenders remains unchanged since March—when Saxena was granted a surprise six-month extension—fresh political signals are being closely watched.
The key names in the fray are Sanjay Gupta (IAS:1988:HP), Kamlesh Kumar Pant (IAS:1993:HP), Anuradha Thakur (IAS:1994:HP), and Onkar Chand Sharma (IAS:1994:HP)—all of whom have completed 30 years of service, a key eligibility criterion for the top post.
LegendOfficers.com previously reported that the race is primarily between Kamlesh Kumar Pant and Onkar Chand Sharma. Pant is widely perceived as the frontrunner, owing to his seniority and administrative track record.
However, fresh speculation has emerged following Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu’s meeting with Anuradha Thakur, currently serving as Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs. The meeting took place in Delhi on July 13, during the CM’s visit to the capital—just days after she assumed her new role at the Centre on July 1.
While some dismiss the interaction as a courtesy call focused on the state’s development agenda, others interpret it as a possible signal that the government may be weighing a surprise appointment. The fact that Prabodh Saxena received a last-minute extension in March is being cited as a sign of indecision between Pant and Sharma—leaving open the possibility of an unexpected choice this time as well.
Whether the Delhi meeting was routine or a calculated move, it has certainly reignited interest in what was earlier considered a settled contest.
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