With Telangana Chief Secretary A Shanthi Kumari (IAS:1989:TG) set to retire in April 2025, discussions are intensifying over her successor. Prominent among the names being considered is Union Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju (IAS:1992:TG), who may return to his parent cadre for the coveted role.
Sources suggest Jaju is keen to take up the position of Chief Secretary if given the opportunity. However, the competition is stiff, with other senior IAS officers like Shashank Goel (IAS:1990:TG), Arvind Kumar (IAS:1991:TG), K Rama Krishna Rao (IAS:1991:TG), Vikas Raj (IAS:1992:TG), and Jayesh Ranjan (IAS:1992:TG) also in fray.
Jaju’s close association with the Modi government since 2014 strengthens his candidacy. He has handled several key assignments at the Centre, barring a brief stint in 2022 as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) at Telangana Bhawan. This connection could position him as a strategic negotiator for the Congress-led state government, particularly in dealing with central government matters under A Revanth Reddy’s administration.
While it is still early for a final decision, Jaju’s strong ties with the Centre and his administrative experience could tilt the scales in his favor.
