Whenever there is a change in government, it is common practice for the new administration to reshuffle the bureaucracy. IAS officers perceived to be close to the previous ruling party are often sidelined, while those who were in less prominent roles are brought into key positions.
However, bureaucrats are permanent officials, unlike political parties that come and go. Therefore, a new government cannot simply disregard officers who held important positions under the previous regime. If they are efficient and capable, the new leadership must consider them for crucial roles.
This often leads to frustration among ruling party leaders who may have struggled to get their work done during the previous administration, especially while they were in the opposition.
For instance, in Andhra Pradesh, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu is facing criticism from his own party leaders, cadre, and even the media for appointing IAS officers believed to be close to the former YSR Congress Party government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy.
Naidu drew flak for appointing senior IAS officer K Vijayanand as Chief Secretary, given that he was seen as a close confidant of Jagan and played a significant role in signing a power purchase agreement with the Adani Group.
Similarly, Naidu assigned key positions to IAS officers like Pradyumna, Harinarayana, Anil Jain, and G. Sai Prasad — officials who also held prominent roles during Jagan’s tenure.
However, he kept away other top bureaucrats such as Y Srilakshmi, Revu Muthyala Raju, Praveen Prakash, Rajat Bhargava, and Gopala Krishna Dwivedi, who were known to be Jagan’s trusted officers.
In Telangana, the scenario is quite different. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has retained several bureaucrats who held significant roles under the previous BRS regime.
He is carefully evaluating officials based on merit and performance rather than their past affiliations, a marked departure from conventional political practices.
For example, Jayesh Ranjan, who was instrumental in promoting industry and investment during KCR’s tenure, continues to serve in a key role under Revanth Reddy.
Likewise, K Ramakrishna Reddy, who managed the state’s finances under the BRS, has now been appointed Chief Secretary.
Kata Amrapali, previously transferred to Andhra Pradesh, has returned to Telangana through CAT and is expected to be given a key assignment.
Even Smita Sabharwal, who had considerable influence in the CMO during KCR’s time, has not been sidelined, though she has now been moved to a less prominent role.
This inclusive and pragmatic approach stands in contrast to the current trend in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, where the coalition government is being criticised for allegedly favouring officers associated with Jagan, sparking negativity on social media and in mainstream discourse.
Most civil servants are known to adapt and work professionally under any leadership. Equating bureaucratic assignments with political loyalty is not only unfair but also unwise.
In this context, Revanth Reddy appears to be more flexible and results-oriented than Chandrababu Naidu, effectively utilising the bureaucracy without yielding to political pressure.
