The fate of controversial IAS officer Anjaneya Kumar Singh (IAS:2005:SK) is hanging in the balance after the end of his deputation in Uttar Pradesh and denial of another extension as Moradabad Divisional Commissioner. Left in the lurch, Anjaneya handed over the charge and proceeded on leave on August 14.
The speculations are flying thick and fast in bureaucratic circles as to whether he will get an eighth extension or leave UP.
Though nothing can be said with certainty at this stage, the most plausible answer is most likely he will because there are powerful reasons behind it.
In an election year, the Yogi Adityanath govt will not like to take a risk by sparing a trusted lieutenant like Anjaneya Kumar Singh, who managed the communally sensitive Moradabad division in Western UP and decimated Yogi’s arch rival, Samajwadi Party stalwart Azam Khan. So Anjaneya’s services can be utilized in another crucial division if not in Moradabad, like Samajwadi Party bastion Azamgarh.
Further, during an election year, the government needs an experienced administrator to reap political harvest by preventing any laxity on the law and order front.
Besides, several cases involving SP heavyweight Azam Khan and his Jauhar University are at crucial stages in the courts. The Yogi govt can ill-afford weakening the prosecution in these cases by changing officers.
In addition, as the same BJP is ruling both at the Centre and in the state, it is unlikely that the Centre will refuse the extension. According to reliable sources, the Yogi govt has already sent a proposal to the Centre seeking approval for another extension for Anjaneya.
It needs to be mentioned here that the same thing had happened to Anjaneya last year, and he had reacted in the same way—handing over the charge and proceeding on leave after not being granted an extension on time. So there is no need to read much between the lines.
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