What appeared to be a routine Saturday morning in Lutyens’ Delhi quickly escalated into a day of intense speculation, as reports of imminent gubernatorial reshuffles for Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir began circulating rapidly. The power corridors were abuzz with chatter that new appointments for the Lieutenant Governors (LGs) of both territories could be imminent.
At the center of this buzz were reports suggesting Rajesh Khullar, Chief Principal Secretary (CPC) to the Haryana Chief Minister and a 1988-batch IAS officer, is being considered for the post of Delhi LG. Simultaneously, current Delhi LG VK Saxena may be on his way to Jammu & Kashmir, while the incumbent J&K LG Manoj Sinha is reportedly being lined up for a key organizational role within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level.
While Khullar and Saxena dominated the initial wave of speculation, the list of potential contenders widened as the day progressed—featuring several heavyweights from India’s administrative elite.
Rajiv Mehrishi (Retd. IAS:1978:RJ), a former Union Home Secretary, also served as Finance Secretary and the 13th Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). His name had surfaced earlier in 2022 during the succession race following Anil Baijal’s resignation as Delhi LG, lending renewed weight to his candidacy.
Sunil Arora (Retd. IAS:1980:RJ), a former Chief Election Commissioner, has a long and distinguished career in public service. He served as Secretary in both the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. Arora’s clean public image and extensive governance experience make him a strong potential fit for gubernatorial responsibilities.
Amitabh Kant (Retd. IAS:1980:KL), currently India’s G20 Sherpa, is widely recognized for his role in steering India’s reform agenda. As the CEO of NITI Aayog and Secretary of DIPP, he was instrumental in launching transformative programs such as ‘Make in India’, ‘Startup India’, and ‘Incredible India’. Kant’s visionary leadership and strategic acumen make him a viable contender for a constitutional post.
Rajiv Gauba (Retd. IAS:1982:JH), the former Cabinet Secretary and now a full-time member of NITI Aayog, is another high-caliber name doing the rounds. As Union Home Secretary, he played a pivotal role in key national security decisions, including the abrogation of Article 370. Gauba’s deep understanding of federal dynamics makes him a formidable candidate, especially for the sensitive post in J&K.
Rakesh Kumar Singh (Retd. IAS:1989:KN), though a surprise entry in the speculation mill, has garnered quiet respect in bureaucratic circles. Currently Chairman of Karnataka RERA, Singh retired in May 2024 after holding several significant positions in both state and central governments. Known for his integrity and low-profile efficiency, his name symbolizes the leadership’s openness to appointing unassuming yet effective administrators.
Sanjay Kumar Mishra (Retd. IRS-IT:1984), former Chief of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), is currently serving as a Full-Time Member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM), with the rank of Secretary to the Government of India. Known as one of the most trusted officers of the Modi government, Mishra played a crucial role in high-profile investigations during his tenure at the ED. His administrative rigor and close working relationship with the political executive make him a credible contender for a gubernatorial post.
While no official confirmation has been made, the way the names of Rajesh Khullar and V.K. Saxena surfaced on Saturday suggests that the Centre has already done substantial groundwork—or perhaps even made its decision. Yet, in the absence of a formal announcement, speculation thrives and alternative names continue to surface. The sheer range and stature of individuals being considered highlights the strategic weight these appointments carry.
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