The Congress party in Haryana has sought removal of Rajesh Khullar, former IAS and chief principal secretary to the chief minister Nayab Singh Saini.
The continuance of Rajesh Khullar, who has been reemployed after retirement, is said to be violating of the EC guidelines, alleged Haryana Congress Legislative Party legal advisor Ravinder Singh Dhull.
The guidelines issued on December 21,2023, mentions: “All the officials of the state (except those posted in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer),who are on extension of service or reemployed in different capacities, will not be associated with any election related work.”
Dhull, who is a former additional advocate general of Haryana, alleged that Khullar, who is extremely close to the political party presently in power in Haryana, decides the transfer/postings of all gazetted officers in Haryana including IAS, IPS, HCS and HPS officers in Haryana.
Dhull alleged that Khullar is directly involved in works related to elections as part of the chief minister's office and also takes care of home department and public relations department which are extremely vital for providing a ‘level playing field' to all concerned which is the basic endeavour of the ECI.
A couple of days back, Election Commission directed to transfer IPS Rajesh Duggal from joint commissioner Gurugram to police headquarters. Rajesh Duggal is the husband of sitting BJP Sirsa MP Sunita Duggal.
Congress has also filed a complaint against the continuance of Devinder Singh Kalyan, an IRS officer, who is currently working as Principal Secretary (excise and taxation). Devinder is brother of BJP's sitting MLA from Gharaunda, Harvinder Singh Kalyan. A 1990 batch IRS officer, Devinder was posted to the state government on deputation in February 2023. After his posting in the finance department for a short period, he was given the assignment of principal secretary, excise and taxation department in April 2023.
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