As the tenure of Rajasthan State Election Commissioner (SEC) Madhukar Gupta (Retd.IAS:1985:RJ) ends on September 17, 2025, intense lobbying has begun for the coveted post. With panchayat and municipal elections expected in December 2025, the state government cannot delay the appointment.
Four IAS officers—three retired and one serving—are emerging as frontrunners: Rajeshwar Singh (Retd. IAS:1989:RJ), PK Goyal (Retd. IAS:1988:RJ), Shubhra Singh (IAS:1989:RJ), and Anand Kumar (IAS:1994:RJ).
The SEC wields sweeping authority during local body polls, with district collectors and even booth-level officers operating under their command. Given the post’s political sensitivity, caste equations, political alliances, and administrative track records will be critical in CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s decision—especially as the BJP’s performance in these polls will serve as a political litmus test.
The Four Contenders:
1. Rajeshwar Singh: Former Additional Chief Secretary, Rural and Panchayati Raj Department. A Rajput officer with strong administrative credentials, he played a key role in departmental reforms under the previous Congress government. However, his perceived proximity to Sachin Pilot could be a hurdle, though his community background may appeal to BJP’s electoral strategy.
2. PK Goyal: Veteran of the Autonomous Governance Department and the only Vaishya community candidate in the fray—a demographic traditionally aligned with the BJP. With a clean record and non-partisan image, Goyal has worked seamlessly under both Congress and BJP regimes.
3. Shubhra Singh: Chairperson, Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation, and the only female contender. Once considered for the Chief Secretary post, she brings rich administrative experience from both Delhi and Rajasthan. Her appointment could address the lack of women in Rajasthan’s top bureaucracy since Usha Sharma’s retirement and bolster BJP’s appeal among women voters.
4. Anand Kumar: A Dalit officer currently serving as Additional Chief Secretary, Forest and Environment. Former ACS (Home) for over two years, Kumar enjoys CM Bhajanlal Sharma’s confidence. His appointment could strengthen BJP’s Dalit outreach ahead of the polls.
As the corridors of power from Jaipur to Delhi buzz with speculation, the appointment will reflect not just administrative priorities but the BJP’s broader electoral strategy for the 2025 panchayat and civic elections.
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