Countdown begins: Who will succeed Atheeq as ACS finance?

Atheeq has had an illustrious career, including key roles with former PM Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and at the World Bank.
LK Atheeq
LK AtheeqPhoto | Express
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BENGALURU: With just two weeks to go until LK Atheeq’s retirement, speculation is mounting over who will fill the big shoes of the powerful Additional Chief Secretary – ACS of Finance and ACS to the Chief Minister’s Office. As Chief Minister Siddaramaiah prepares his 16th budget, the position of ACS Finance is more crucial than ever, setting the stage for intense political manoeuvring.

Atheeq has had an illustrious career, including key roles with former PM Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and at the World Bank. He will leave behind a significant legacy, and finding a worthy successor is no easy task. But the burning question remains: Who will step into his formidable role?

The list of potential candidates is generating significant buzz. At the top of the list is Gaurav Gupta, but there are other strong contenders in the mix. BBMP Chief Commissioner Tushar Girinath and Uma Mahadevan are also being touted as likely replacements, while SR Umashankar, who is set to retire soon, remains in contention. Some sources, however, suggest that Anjum Parvez, further down the seniority ladder, might be the surprise favourite, and that Girinath could choose to replace Umashankar as ACS, Urban Development Department, when he retires shortly.

Adding to the intrigue, the names of a handful of top officers on deputation in Delhi, such as Atul Tiwari, Nilaya Mitash, Vandana Gurnani, and V Vidyavathi, are also doing the rounds. However, insiders indicate that these officers may be reluctant to relocate to Bengaluru, preferring to remain in Delhi, where post-retirement opportunities are more favourable. Though there are rumours that Atheeq’s term could be extended, it is unlikely to materialise. Sources say that granting extensions is not part of the established protocol, and Siddaramaiah is known to adhere to rules rather than make exceptions. A recent move in Andhra Pradesh, where a junior officer was appointed chief secretary, has fuelled speculation, but Siddaramaiah’s commitment to convention suggests that this path is unlikely. However, two sources said Siddaramaiah might just consider an extension for Atheeq.

As the deadline for the officer’s retirement looms, all eyes are on the CM’s final decision, even as Parvez’s name is increasingly being mentioned as the frontrunner.

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