After several twists and turns, Rajesh Khullar (Retd IAS:1988:HY) was finally appointed as the Chief Principal Secretary to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini. The order confirming his appointment was issued late Monday night by Chief Secretary TVSN Prasad (IAS:1988:HY). However, the latest order differs in two key aspects from the previous one issued on October 18.
First, unlike the earlier order, Khullar’s new appointment does not include the rank and status of a cabinet minister. Second, while the previous order made Khullar’s tenure co-terminus with the Chief Minister’s term, the revised order states that his tenure will now be co-terminus with the Chief Minister’s term or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
The order also noted that the “rest of the terms and conditions of his appointment will be issued separately.”
As we reported earlier, senior BJP leaders of Haryana were reportedly opposed to granting Khullar cabinet status, and they raised the issue with the party’s central leadership. On October 18, the same day the initial order was issued, CM Nayab Singh Saini was in Delhi to meet with the party’s top brass, and sources suggest that the matter was discussed, resulting in the initial appointment being put on hold. Additionally, the initial decision to tie Khullar’s term to that of the CM was also reconsidered.
Also Read: Inside story of Haryana’s dramatic U-turn on Khullar’s appointment as CM’s CPS
Also Read: Haryana: Retd. IAS officer Rajesh Khullar appointed Chief Principal Secretary to CM
