On Friday, TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu urged the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to postpone the interviews for the conferment of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) cadre to officers of the state cadre from June 7 to a later date, following the establishment of the new government.
In a letter to UPSC Chairman Manoj Soni, Mr. Naidu highlighted that Andhra Pradesh Chief Secretary KS Jawahar Reddy had reportedly requested the UPSC to conduct the interviews before the election results were counted on June 4. Mr. Naidu stated, “It will be a violation of norms and an electoral offence if interviews are conducted before the announcement of election results and the rescinding of the Model Code of Conduct.”
Mr. Naidu expressed concern over past interviews where two candidates were conferred the IAS cadre, and both are now working in the Chief Minister’s Office and the CM’s constituency. He described the selection as shocking due to its perceived brazenness and nepotism. He alleged that the current panel was also prepared without following proper procedures and included candidates with questionable credentials.
Given that the State Assembly elections have concluded and results are expected on June 4, Mr. Naidu emphasized that the outgoing government should not rush the selection process. He asserted, “In the interests of fairness and accountability, we request deferment of the interviews to another date after the new government takes charge to instill confidence among the public and aspirants regarding the process.”
