Amid intense lobbying and speculations, Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand (IAS:1992:AP) is reportedly likely to get a three-month extension. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is said to be considering it, as Vijayanand is due to retire on November 30. His greatest asset is his non-controversial style of functioning.
But this anticipation has not stopped lobbying among senior officers to succeed him. The reason behind it is a belief that Naidu might be appointing a new Chief Secretary while retaining Vijayanand as special chief secretary and assigning some important tasks. But there is a section in the state bureaucracy that firmly believes that Vijayanand will manage to continue as Chief Secretary.
If CM Naidu decides to go for a change, water resources Special Chief Secretary G Sai Prasad (IAS:1991:AP) becomes a favourite choice. Sai Prasad is reported to have earlier been tipped for the post, but Naidu chose Vijayanand instead. Many things weigh in favour of Sai Prasad. His service lasts until June 2026, and like Vijayanand, he is also considered a dynamic and non-controversial administrator. Besides, Sai Prasad is also said to have been promised the CS role after Vijayanand’s tenure. Plus, Sai Prasad has already served Naidu as his principal secretary between 2014 and 2019.
Besides, some senior TDP leaders are reported to have urged Naidu to elevate Sai Prasad on the basis of his seniority, integrity, and community representation. Social media voices within the party have also rallied behind him. Naidu is supposed to take the final call this week.
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