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The appointment of Dharmendra, a seasoned IAS officer from the 1989 batch, as Delhi's new chief secretary marks a significant development in the political landscape of the national capital. Dharmendra, currently serving as the chief secretary of Arunachal Pradesh, steps into the role vacated by Naresh Kumar, whose second consecutive service extension concluded on August 31st. This transition comes at a time of heightened political tension between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and the Lieutenant Governor (LG), with both parties engaged in a constant exchange of accusations and counter-accusations.
Dharmendra's extensive experience, having served in various key positions within the Delhi government, the central government, and other areas under the AGMUT cadre, positions him as a well-suited candidate for the role. His understanding of the complexities of governance in Delhi, including the challenges of public administration and the intricate interactions between multiple government agencies, is expected to be invaluable in navigating the political landscape of the city. However, his arrival comes at a time of considerable political strain, with the AAP government and the LG locked in a protracted power struggle. The appointment of Dharmendra is likely to add another layer to this ongoing conflict, as he will be tasked with mediating between the two entities and ensuring the smooth functioning of the bureaucracy while simultaneously fulfilling the expectations of the public.
The recent past has witnessed a series of disputes between the AAP government and the LG over crucial issues, including the management of waterlogging, the de-silting of drains, the felling of trees in south Delhi, and the shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in Delhi government hospitals. These disputes have underscored the deep chasm between the two branches of government, adding a further dimension to the challenges faced by the new chief secretary. The looming Delhi assembly elections, scheduled for February of next year, are likely to further intensify the political climate, adding pressure on Dharmendra to manage the complexities of governance amidst heightened political activity.
Source: 1985-batch officer named Delhi’s new chief secretary