A significant rift has emerged within the administrative machinery of Bihar, with senior IAS officers formally raising their voice against Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha. The officers have accused him of using threatening and inappropriate language, creating an atmosphere of fear and undermining the morale of the civil service.
Formal Complaint Lodged by IAS Association
The Bihar IAS Association has taken the unprecedented step of submitting a formal memorandum to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Chief Secretary Brajesh Mehrotra. The complaint centers on an incident where Deputy CM Sinha, who holds the crucial portfolios of Road Construction and Public Works Department, allegedly made remarks that were perceived as direct threats to the officers working under him.
The association's letter, dated May 24, 2024, strongly condemns the Deputy Chief Minister's conduct. It argues that such behavior from a high constitutional authority is unacceptable and sets a dangerous precedent. The officers have expressed that this incident has severely impacted their working environment and sense of security.
Details of the Alleged Confrontation
While the specific details of the verbal exchange are part of the formal complaint, sources indicate that the issue erupted during discussions related to departmental functioning and project implementation. The officers felt that the Deputy CM's tone and choice of words crossed professional boundaries, veering into intimidation.
The association's action highlights a growing tension between the political executive and the permanent bureaucracy in the state. It underscores a belief among officers that they are being unfairly targeted and cannot perform their duties without fear of retribution.
Demand for Action and Wider Implications
In their memorandum, the IAS officers have not merely registered a protest. They have explicitly demanded that appropriate action be taken against Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sinha to uphold the dignity and impartial functioning of the administration. They seek reassurance that such incidents will not be repeated, ensuring a conducive environment for governance.
This development poses a fresh challenge for the Nitish Kumar-led government, which is already navigating a complex political landscape. The public airing of grievances by the state's top bureaucrats signals deep-seated discontent. It brings into question the working relationship between ministers and the officials tasked with executing government policies.
The incident also puts the spotlight on the other Deputy Chief Minister, Samrat Choudhary, and the Chief Minister's office. How the top leadership handles this sensitive issue will be closely watched, as it could affect administrative efficiency and the morale of all civil servants in Bihar.
As of now, there has been no official public response from Deputy CM Vijay Sinha or the Chief Minister's Office regarding the association's complaint. The bureaucracy and political circles await the next steps, which will determine whether this conflict escalates or finds an amicable resolution.
