If reports doing the rounds in Andhra Pradesh bureaucratic circles are to be believed, a senior IAS officer heading an important department linked to Minister Nara Lokesh may go on long leave following alleged differences with another senior IAS officer, Kartikeya Mishra, who is said to have become highly influential in the Chief Minister’s Office.
According to reports, IAS officer Katamaneni Bhaskar, known for his upright image and administrative efficiency, is said to be upset over the transfer of two officers working under his supervision, allegedly without his knowledge.
Sources claim that Kartikeya Mishra, who is believed to be close to the top leadership, has become a source of irritation for several IAS officers and even some MPs and MLAs of the ruling party.
In the past, Mishra was also accused of behaving rudely with Nandyal MP Byreddy Shabari when she reportedly sought to meet Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu in New Delhi a few months ago.
There are also allegations that Mishra is behaving like a powerful bureaucratic authority, drawing comparisons with former IAS officer Praveen Prakash, who wielded considerable influence in the CMO during the Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy government.
Sources said Mishra had earlier made attempts to get Bhaskar transferred from his present post. However, Chandrababu Naidu and Lokesh reportedly did not agree to the proposal.
According to the latest reports, Mishra allegedly got two officers transferred without informing Bhaskar. The two officials were reportedly considered efficient and honest and had earned a good reputation in their respective roles.
Upset over the development, Bhaskar reportedly met the Chief Minister and questioned the circumstances surrounding the transfers.
Naidu is said to have assured him that the two officers would be allowed to continue in their existing positions. However, no formal orders cancelling or keeping the transfers in abeyance have reportedly been issued so far.
This has allegedly caused further resentment among sections of the bureaucracy.
There is now speculation that Bhaskar may opt for long leave if the transfers of the two officers are not reversed.
Mishra has also been facing allegations of interfering in the functioning of other officers and using his proximity to Lokesh to exercise influence within the administration.
He is also said to have had differences with another CMO IAS officer, Pradyumna.
Some officials have reportedly questioned the political leadership’s alleged reluctance to rein in Mishra.
There is growing speculation that both Chandrababu Naidu and Nara Lokesh could face criticism if the perception strengthens that a single bureaucrat is exercising disproportionate influence over key administrative decisions.
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