Bhopal: In a significant administrative move, the Madhya Pradesh government has effected a major reshuffle within Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav’s secretariat, marking the fourth major reorganization since December 2023. The most notable change is the replacement of Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Chief Minister, Rajesh Kumar Rajora (IAS:1990:MP), with Neeraj Mandloi (IAS:1993:MP).
The announcement was made on Sunday, July 6, as part of a broader reshuffle involving ten senior IAS officers, underlining CM Yadav’s ongoing effort to recalibrate his top administrative team.
Rajora Retained in Key Portfolios Despite Exit from CMO
While Rajora has been relieved from the CM’s secretariat, he continues to hold two influential positions—Vice Chairman of the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) and ACS, Water Resources Department. His removal from the CMO, however, signals a shift in the inner workings of the Chief Minister’s Office, which has seen constant flux over the past 18 months.
Mandloi’s Appointment Continues High Turnover in CMO
Neeraj Mandloi’s appointment comes amidst rapid leadership changes in the CMO since Dr. Mohan Yadav assumed office in December 2023. Initially, Raghvendra Kumar Singh (IAS:1997:MP) was appointed as Principal Secretary (PS) to the CM. In June 2024, Rajora was brought in as ACS, and Sanjay Kumar Shukla (IAS:1994:MP) was added as another PS, leading to a rare structure where the CMO had one ACS and two PS-level officers.
However, both Singh and Shukla were later transferred in November 2024. The latest reshuffle marks yet another top-level change in a secretariat that has undergone near-constant restructuring.
Context: Anurag Jain’s Appointment Resets Bureaucratic Strategy
Rajora’s tenure as ACS to the CM had sparked speculation that he was being positioned to become the next Chief Secretary, especially after his appointment to oversee 15 high-priority functions, including coordination with the PMO. However, in a surprise move, Anurag Jain (IAS:1989:MP)—then on central deputation—was brought in as Chief Secretary, bypassing Rajora.
Since Jain’s appointment, several top-level reshuffles have taken place, indicating a strategic consolidation of administrative control under the new leadership.
Frequent Transfers Highlight Power Realignments
Several officers in and around the CMO have been frequently transferred. Sanjay Shukla, for instance, has been moved at least six times since CM Yadav took office, including assignments in industries, Raj Bhawan, women and child welfare, mining, and now General Administration.
Similarly, Bharat Yadav (IAS:2008:MP), who served briefly as Secretary to the CM, was moved in January 2025 to head the MP Road Development Corporation (MPRDC).
Political Significance of the Shifts
The repeated changes in the CM’s secretariat reflect both political strategy and evolving trust equations within the senior bureaucracy. With Rajora sidelined from the CMO, and Mandloi stepping in, the CM appears to be streamlining decision-making ahead of key governance and political challenges.
