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Whispers in the Corridor - Dr Suresh Malhotra

Our Prediction Came True 

Manoj Agarwal appointed new Chief Secretary of West Bengal

(We said this on 6 May 2026) 

Will Manoj Agrawal be the new WB Chief Secretary?

In west Bengal, the first BJP Government will be formed on May 9 but rumours have started doing rounds about the new Chief secretary. Sources said that Manoj Agarwal, CEO is likely to be the next Chief Secretary. His term ends in June this year. He is the WB cadre 1990 batch IAS officer. 

Politics  

Did Kharge’s quiet outreach help Vijay bring smaller parties into TVK fold?

With Vijay now having formally taken Oath with the political plunge as new CM, many see that he has begun consolidating TVK's majority, and early indications suggest that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge played a discreet but important role in helping him bring smaller parties into the fold.

According to political sources, Kharge used Congress’s established networks in Tamil Nadu to ease outreach between TVK and key fringe but influential players, particularly those with strong caste and grassroots bases. Among them, the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) emerged as a crucial link, given its mobilisational strength among Dalit voters and its history of alliance flexibility.

The effort was less about formal coalition-building at this stage and more about trust-building and political signalling. Kharge’s intervention reportedly helped reassure these parties about Vijay’s seriousness, ideological positioning, and willingness to accommodate regional interests within a broader anti-BJP framework.

For Vijay, who is attempting to transition from mass appeal to structured politics, this early backing has been critical in avoiding isolation and gaining organisational depth. For Congress, facilitating this alignment allows it to remain embedded in Tamil Nadu’s evolving political equations without being at the forefront.

 SP’s ‘Symbol Swap’ Strategy: Akhilesh pushes Congress candidates on cycle for 2027

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav is sharpening the contours of “Mission Fateh 2027” with a clear directive to allies especially the Congress that cohesion must outweigh ego in western Uttar Pradesh. His core message is blunt: defeating the BJP takes precedence over traditional concerns like seat-sharing or party symbols.

At the heart of this strategy is a flexible electoral formula that could see Congress candidates contesting on the Samajwadi Party’s cycle symbol in key constituencies. The idea draws from the 2024 Lok Sabha template, where SP-Congress coordination and tactical clarity helped blunt the BJP’s dominance. Yadav is now pushing to institutionalize that approach for the 2027 assembly elections.

Party insiders indicate that winnability not party identity will drive ticket allocation. In several seats, the alliance may deploy candidates based on local strength, even if it means symbol-sharing arrangements such as SP symbol–Congress candidate or vice versa. This hybrid model is aimed at consolidating anti-BJP votes while minimizing fragmentation on the ground. The broader objective is to present a seamless opposition front, where electoral arithmetic and on-ground viability override rigid party lines to decisively challenge the BJP.

Bihar New CM Samrat Choudhary has good hold over bureaucracy

Bihar new CM Samrat Choudhary is considered to have a good hold over bureaucracy. In Bureaucratic circles he is being seen as a capable choice and regarded as a bold and confident leader.

Bureaucracy

TVK's inexperience may lead to a phased approach

Initial symbolic changes followed by deeper reforms after stabilization. Focus on digital transparency, anti-nepotism measures, and rebranding welfare programs. Coalition dynamics (if applicable) could temper aggressive shifts. Expect emphasis on police modernization and single-window clearances.

A generational shift in politics could refresh the administration, but continuity is needed to avoid governance hiccups. Watch for outreach to retired officers or central returnees for expertise.

TVK Chief Vijay to have core decision-making group?

It is widely being speculated that Vijay will have a core group of trusted aides for decision-making, along with other groups arranged in layers. Is this a sign of caution as he begins his political journey as a debutant?

Will Kerala continue seniority based appointments under new Govt?

In Kerala, appointments have traditionally followed the principle of seniority. It remains to be seen whether the new government will continue with the same pattern or bring changes.

Tamil Nadu Bureaucracy confused?

Tamil Nadu Bureaucracy is confused about forming an opinion on the new govt, as it comes with no baggage. Only time will tell how the bureaucracy perceives and responds to the new ruling party.

Manoj Kumar Agarwal is new Chief Secretary of West Bengal

Manoj Kumar Agarwal has been appointed as Chief Secretary of West Bengal. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre.

Outgoing CS WB, Nariala is Pr Resident Commissioner in West Bengal

Dushyant Nariala, Chief Secretary, West Bengal, has been appointed as Principal Resident Commissioner at Additional Chief Secretary level in West Bengal. He is a 1993 batch IAS officer of West Bengal cadre.

Bulk appointments of General Managers in SBI

More than three dozen Bankers have been transferred and posted to different places in the State Bank of India (SBI). Accordingly, Sivakumar J has been appointed as GM, YONO Product & Special Project, Digital Banking Department of Corporate Centre, Mumbai, while Mithilesh Kumar was posted as GM, Customer Experience, Corporate Centre, Mumbai and Pankaj Kumar is GM, Disciplinary Authority, South DM Hub Local Head Office, Chennai. Similarly, Shashi Nath Mishra has been appointed as GM, AC-OPS & Vendor Management, Anytime Channels, Corporate Centre, Mumbai; Suresh V as GM, Third Party Management, Corporate Centre Mumbai; Digvijaysingh Bahadursinh as GM, SME-II SME & SCF, Corporate Centre Mumbai; Sanjay Kumar Sharma as GM, Centralised Collection & Recovery Unit; Corporate Centre, Mumbai; Sreenivas Akula GM, CVE, BU Corporate Centre, Mumbai; Ravi Kumar Verma as GM, NRI & Salary Package Resources Department, Corporate Centre, Mumbai; Virendra Kumar Verma as GM, CMP, CARDs & Projects, Corporate Centre Mumbai; Prafulla Kumar Jena as GM, Network-I, Amaravati circle; Kundan Jyoti as GM, Network-II, Amaravati circle; Tapan Sharma as GM, Network-I,  Bengaluru Circle; Nilanka Roy as GM, Network II, Bhopal circle; Prabudh Kumar as GM, Network-II, Bhubaneswar circle; Binod Kumar Sinha as GM, Network-II, Chandigarh circle; Naveen Misra as GM, Network-II Chandigarh circle; Ravikumar Benniganahalli  Lakshmaiah as GM, Network-I, Chennai cricle; Sanjeev Kumar as GM, Network-II, Chennai circle; Vijay Kumar as GM, Network-I, Gandhinagar circle; Jitendra Kant Thakur as GM, Networkd-II, Gandhinagar circle; Abraham Selvin as GM, Network-II, Guwahati circle; Ranvijay Pratap as GM, Network-I, Hyderabad circle; Rajneesh Kumar as GM, Network-I, Jaipur circle; Rohti Kumar as GM, Networkd-III, Jaipur circle; Naveen Kumar Gupta as GM, Network-II, Kolkata circle; Vimal Kishore as GM, Networkd-I, Lucknow circle; Manoj Kumar Gupta as GM, Network-II, Maharashtra circle; Lakshmi Srinivas Rao Pentapalli as GM, Networkd-III, Maharashtra circle; Chandrashekhar Ratcha as GM, Network-II, Mumbai Metro circle; Ajit Kumar Poddar as GM, Network-I, New Delhi circle; Shailesh Kumar as GM, Network-II, New Delhi circle; Bijay Kumar Samal as GM, Network-II, Patna circle; Tekkati Vijaya Lakshmi as GM, Network-I, Thiruvananthapuram circle; Anirudh Kumar Choudhary as GM & Director, State Bank Academy, Gurugram and Sarma Nageswara Varahabatla was posted as GM & Director, State Bank Institute of Rural Banking, Hyderabad.

Dr A K Panda takes over as CMD, SAIL

Dr. Ashok Kumar Panda has assumed the charge as Chairman & Managing Director of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL). Prior to this, he served as Director (Finance) of the Company and also held the additional charge of Director (Commercial) for about nine months during this period.

Prashant Pise appointed as Ambassador to Oman

Prashant Pise, presently Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman. He is a 1995 batch IFS officer.

Dr Alok Badkul in race for Director (DD), CONCOR

Dr Alok Badkul, ED, CONCOR, is in the race for the post of Director (Domestic Division), Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR).

Tri-service Integration By May End

India is set to operationalize a tri-service Joint Operations Control Centre (JOCC) by end of May 2026 in Delhi Cantonment for real-time monitoring, planning, and coordination.

Interviews for Director (HR), BEL on May 14

The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Director (Human Resources), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) on May 14, 2026.

Anil Kumar in race for Director (DD), CONCOR

Anil K Sonawane, ED, CONCOR, is in the race for the post of Director (Domestic Division), Container Corporation of India Limited (CONCOR).

Jain likely to be promoted DG in UP

Ashok Mutha Jain is likely to be promoted as DG in June He is a UP cadre IPS officer. He is presently posted in Gorakhpur Zone.

Who will become Spl Commissioner L&O in Delhi Police?

After the departure of Madhup Tiwari to Arunachal Pradesh, a race is going on to grab the post of Special Commissioner Law & Order i Delhi Police. Names of two AGMUT cadre IPS officers are doing the rounds for the post. They are Anil Shukla and Devesh Srivastava.

Two ITS officers promoted as Advisors

The DoT has promoted 2 ITS officers to HAG+ and posted as Advisors.  Accordingly, Deepa Arora posted as Spl DDT, AP LSA and  Arun Kumar Verma as Spl DGT, WB LSA.

IP&TAFS officer appointed as Director, UPSC

Shailesh Bansal has been appointed as Director, UPSC under the CSS for a period of five years. He s a 2011 batch IP&TAFS officer.

ITS officer grants VRS

The DoT has approved the VRS to Ashok Maheshwar, PGM Rajasthan Circle w e f May 12, 2026. He is 1994 batch ITS officer.

Akash Deep is also Commissioner, Skill and Employment in Assam

Akash Deep, Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt of Assam, Transport and Welfare of Bodoland Departments, is also posted as Commissioner & Secretary, Skill, Employment & Entrepreneurship Department as additional charge. He is a 2005 batch IAS officer.

Two IAS officers appointed as Joint Secretary, CM's Office, W Bengal

Two IAS officers in West Bengal: P Promoth of 2019 batch and Navneet Mittal of 2020 batch, have been appointed as Joint Secretary, Chief Minister's Office, W Bengal.

UPSC seeks applications for direct recruitment to various posts in GoI

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has invited applications from eligible candidates for direct recruitment to various posts in Government of India.

Broader Modernisation

Ongoing pushes for indigenous production, Rafale-related localization (MICA missiles), hypersonic missile tests/reports, and exercises like Dharma Guardian 2026 with Japan.

Theaterisation Pending

Theaterisation (integrated commands) remains a key pending item under the current CDS.

Chitkara promoted to HAG

Sameer Chitkara has been promoted  to the grade of Principal Commissioner of Customs & Indirect Taxes (HAG)  against the panel year2026. He is a 1997 batch IRS (C&IT) officer.

Rathore promoted as Commissioner

Tejaskumar Girdharlal Rathod has been promoted to the grade of Commissioner against the panel year 2026. He is a 2008 batch IRS(C&IT) officer.

Narayana Reddy Goud promoted as Asstt Commissioner

The CBIC has promoted  K. S. Narayana Reddy Goud, Appraiser as Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Indirect Taxes on ad-hoc basis notionally with effect from 13.01.2023  and on actual basis from the date of assumption of charge of the post of Assistant Commissioner.

IRS officer grants NFSG

Vikas Jhajharia has been given NFSG w e f January 1, 2020 as Addll Commissioner. He is a 2007 batch IRS(C&IT) officer.

 SC Jain is also AM (Works), Railway Board
Sukhmal Chand Jain, presently serving as Additional Member (Land & Amenities), Railway Board, has been entrusted with the additional charge of Additional Member (Works), Railway Board, till May 24, 2026. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.
 

Kamlesh Kumar posted as CE/C/ADI, WR
Kamlesh Kumar, presently serving in North Central Railway (NCR), has been transferred to Western Railway (WR) and posted as Chief Engineer/Construction/Ahmedabad (CE/C/ADI) under CAO/C/ADI. He is an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer.

Debabrata Chatterjee posted as ADRM, Asansol
Debabrata Chatterjee, presently serving in South Eastern Railway (SER), has been transferred to Eastern Railway (ER) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Asansol (ASN). He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

Sanjeev Bachra posted as ADRM, Mumbai Central 
Sanjeev Bachra, presently serving in North Western Railway (NWR), has been transferred to Western Railway (WR) and posted as Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM), Mumbai Central (BCT). He is an Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers (IRSSE) officer.

CORPORATE

Sudhir Agarwal re-appointed MD, DB Corp Ltd
Sudhir Agarwal has been re-appointed as Managing Director of DB Corp Limited with effect from January 1, 2027.

Ajay Kumar Jain re-appointed CMD, PPAP Automotive Ltd
Ajay Kumar Jain has been re-appointed as Chairman and Managing Director of PPAP Automotive Limited with effect from November 1, 2026.

Dr Kirtikumar Mehta re-appointed Chairman, Corona Remedies Ltd
Dr. Kirtikumar Mehta has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Corona Remedies Limited with effect from April 1, 2027.

Dr Rashmi Vij re-appointed Ind. Director, HPL Electric & Power Ltd
Dr. (Mrs.) Rashmi Vij has been re-appointed as an Independent Director of HPL Electric & Power Limited.

Harikumar V appointed NE Director, Abate As Industries Ltd
Harikumar V has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Abate As Industries Limited with effect from February 12, 2026.

Abhijeet Jhawar appointed Addl. Director, Shalimar Paints Ltd
Abhijeet Jhawar has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent Director) of Shalimar Paints Limited.

Atul Rasiklal Desai re-appointed Ind. Director, Shalimar Paints Ltd
Atul Rasiklal Desai has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Shalimar Paints Limited with effect from June 28, 2026. 

Mrs Neha Sarda appointed NE Director, Beryl Drugs Ltd
Mrs Neha Sarda has been appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Beryl Drugs Limited.

Rajiv Chaudhri re-appointed Ind. Director, JSW Energy Ltd
Rajiv Chaudhri has been re-appointed as Independent Director of JSW Energy Limited with effect from July 14, 2026.

Rajan Arvind Dalal appointed Ind. Director, Magadh Sugar & Energy Ltd
Rajan Arvind Dalal has been appointed as Independent Director of Magadh Sugar & Energy Limited.

Suresh Salian re-appointed NE Director, Flomic Global Logistics Ltd
Suresh Salian has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Flomic Global Logistics Limited with effect from May 30, 2026.

FORUM

GoI should also reduce its expenditures

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the citizens to avoid buying gold for a year. It is a good decision to boost the Indian economy but the Government of India should also reduce its expenditures.