Ahead of assembly elections, Rajeev Sharma, a 2003 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre opted for voluntary retirement (VRS) from his position. He had been serving as Commissioner in Shahdol district since April 2021.
Speculation is rife that the officer, a resident of Bhind district, may contest in the upcoming assembly elections from his home constituency, though he denied any connection between his VRS and the polls.
He clarified, “My decision to take VRS has nothing to do with the elections. I am seeking freedom from the constraints and limitations of government service. Now, as a poet, writer, and individual, I wish to savor this newfound freedom.”
When questioned about political rumors suggesting his potential candidacy and discussions among major parties like Congress and BJP, he refrained from commenting on his future plans.
A promotee from state services, Sharma is still left with two years of service. He has written a well researched book on Hindu saint Shankaracharya, which has been translated in Urdu, English and Marathi also.
In Rajasthan also, a 2009 batch IAS officer Antar Singh Nehra had taken VRS on September 30, four months before his scheduled retirement on January 31, 2024. He was serving as divisional commissioner Jaipur.
A promotee from state services, Nehra is considered close to chief minister Ashok Gehlot and Congress is rumoured to contest election on any seat in Jhunjhunu or Hanumangarh districts. However, he denies such plans saying that he sought VRS for family reasons.
“Nehra is an efficient officer and is a popular Jat face. Congress may encash his popularity in Jat belt. With Rameshwar Dudi still hospitalised and recuperating from brain stroke and Jyoti Mirdha joining BJP, Nehra can fill the void in Jat politics,” said Rameshwar Singh, a political commentator.
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 from his position. He had been serving as Commissioner in Shahdol district since April 2021.){kind=link}