Cold War Between Two Senior IAS Officers Ends, Issue Reaches the Chief Minister

A long-running cold war between two senior IAS officers holding Special Chief Secretary rank has reportedly come to an end following the recent administrative reshuffle. The differences between Jayesh Ranjan and Sanjay Kumar, who were earlier handling responsibilities linked to the same department, had become a topic of discussion in bureaucratic circles.

For a considerable period, both officers were associated with the IT and Industries department, leading to overlapping authority and coordination issues. While one side believed seniority gave him supervisory control, the other maintained that business rules clearly defined the Principal Secretary as the departmental head. This difference in perception reportedly created friction at the top level of the department.

The issue escalated after Jayesh Ranjan, despite being shifted from direct departmental control, was appointed CEO of the Industrial and Investment Cell in the CMO. It is alleged that he continued to monitor and influence departmental affairs, including interacting with officials and corporate representatives. As a result, Sanjay Kumar reportedly complained to senior authorities, stating that key information related to domestic and international investments was not reaching him.

Sources indicate that the matter was eventually brought to the notice of Revanth Reddy, following repeated complaints. The recent transfer of Jayesh Ranjan to municipal administration under the HMDA is now being seen as a move to clearly separate roles and reduce administrative overlap.

Meanwhile, it is also being discussed in Secretariat circles that Industries Minister D Sridhar Babu had earlier expressed displeasure over interference in departmental affairs without keeping the minister informed. With Sanjay Kumar now having full charge, officials believe he will have to demonstrate administrative efficiency to retain the portfolio.