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Sanjay Prasad, a 1995-batch IAS officer, has returned to a position of significant power in Uttar Pradesh's administrative structure. His reappointment as principal secretary for multiple key portfolios, including the crucial home department, highlights his close relationship with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. This appointment comes after a nine-month gap, signifying the chief minister's continued trust and reliance on Prasad's skills and loyalty. The article paints a picture of Prasad as a highly efficient and assertive administrator, a stark contrast to his predecessor, Deepak Kumar, who was perceived as too polite for the CM's liking. This preference for a more decisive and action-oriented approach underscores the priorities of the current administration in Uttar Pradesh.
Prasad's rise within the state's bureaucracy is remarkable, especially considering the bypassing of traditional hierarchical structures. His appointment to the home and information secretariats, traditionally held by higher-ranking officers, demonstrates the CM's unwavering faith in his capabilities. Multiple sources within the government and BJP corroborate this sentiment, emphasizing Prasad's unwavering loyalty and his ability to execute the CM's directives efficiently, regardless of the potential consequences or logistical challenges. This ‘execution-focused’ approach aligns perfectly with Adityanath's known leadership style, further solidifying Prasad’s position as a key figure in the administration.
The article delves into the various factors contributing to Prasad's success. His reputation as a ‘data man,’ possessing exceptional command over information and statistics, proved invaluable during the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to quickly provide the CM with crucial data on vaccines, COVID-19 centers, and other vital information cemented his role as the CM's go-to person for critical updates. This data-driven approach, coupled with his proactive engagement in assessing ground realities through frequent travels with the CM, greatly enhanced his standing within the administration. The contrast with Awanish Awasthi, the most influential bureaucrat during Yogi's first tenure, is striking. While Awasthi was known for overseeing many departments, Prasad's influence seems more tightly coupled with the CM's immediate operational needs and preferences.
Beyond his professional capabilities, the article also touches upon Prasad's personal attributes. Described as a ‘white-collar man’ with no hint of corruption scandals, he maintains cordial relationships across all power circles, effectively navigating the intricate political landscape of Uttar Pradesh. This neutrality and ability to avoid controversy have arguably contributed to his continued success and lack of opposition. Further enhancing his image is his reputation as a tech-savvy and cost-conscious individual, preferring digital documents and streamlining administrative processes, reflecting modern administrative efficiency. His fitness regimen and early morning walks further add to the portrayal of a disciplined and dedicated individual.
The article also explores Prasad's background, highlighting his earlier stint as joint secretary in the Ministry of Defence under Nirmala Sitharaman, suggesting a wider network of connections beyond Uttar Pradesh. His previous role as Chief Development Officer (CDO) in Gorakhpur from 1999 to 2001, during Adityanath's time as Gorakhpur MP, underscores the long-standing connection between the two. This early association and subsequent rise within the bureaucracy points towards a carefully cultivated relationship based on mutual trust and understanding. The article suggests that this relationship likely played a crucial role in securing his current position and influence.
In conclusion, the article presents a comprehensive profile of Sanjay Prasad, portraying him as a highly capable and trusted administrator who has skillfully navigated the intricacies of Uttar Pradesh's political landscape. His success is attributed to a combination of factors, including his data-driven approach, loyalty to the Chief Minister, assertive style, and ability to maintain positive relationships across all political spectrums. His rise highlights the importance of not only competence but also close alignment with the ruling party's ideology and the chief minister's preferences in shaping the trajectory of a high-ranking bureaucrat in the Indian context.
Source: Who is Sanjay Prasad, Yogi’s data man, tech-savvy taskmaster & UP’s most powerful IAS officer today