Sanjay Prasad, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1995 batch, holds a position of considerable trust in Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s administration. Taking charge as Principal Secretary (Home) in September 2022, he assumed a pivotal role in Uttar Pradesh’s governance landscape. Recent developments indicate a friction between the state and the Election Commission (EC) regarding Prasad’s removal from his post.
Among the six states where the EC decided to replace home secretaries, Uttar Pradesh stood out as the sole entity contesting the decision concerning Sanjay Prasad. Despite the state’s objection, the EC maintained its stance, asserting its authority firmly.
Sources reveal that Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Secretary, Durga Shanker Mishra, penned a letter to the EC, voicing opposition to Prasad’s removal. Mishra contended that Prasad had already divested himself of the additional responsibility at the Chief Minister’s Office prior to the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. This, he argued, negated any potential conflict of interest. However, the EC remained steadfast in its decision, urging compliance and requesting a panel of three candidates for Prasad’s successor during the electoral period.
While the other states promptly adhered to the EC’s directive, Uttar Pradesh initially resisted but eventually acceded. The EC’s rationale behind the removal of home secretaries across states underscores the imperative of maintaining a clear demarcation between bureaucratic functions and political affiliations. By ensuring that home secretaries refrain from involvement in the Chief Minister’s Office operations, the EC aims to uphold a fair and impartial electoral process.
States like Gujarat, Bihar, Jharkhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, besides Uttar Pradesh, exhibited overlaps where home secretaries were engaged in the affairs of their respective Chief Minister’s Offices. This move seeks to foster transparency and equity, vital for the integrity of the electoral framework.