Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief N Chandrababu Naidu has urged the Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to delay the interviews for the appointment of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in the State cadre until after the formation of the new government. He asserted that conducting these interviews, as recommended by Chief Secretary, KS Jawahar Reddy, before the conclusion of the electoral process on June 4, would breach the Model Code of Conduct.
In a letter addressed to the UPSC Chairman, Naidu emphasised the importance of adhering to the Model Code of Conduct, highlighting that conducting interviews before the election results announcement could be deemed as an electoral offence, undermining the sanctity of the democratic process. Naidu expressed concern over previous instances where candidates closely associated with the incumbent Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) were appointed to the IAS, raising questions of impartiality and fairness in the selection process. He criticized these appointments as instances of favoritism and nepotism, which he argued, have disillusioned other aspiring candidates and the general public.
Additionally, Naidu raised objections to the composition of the current interview panel, alleging that it was formed without proper adherence to procedural norms and included candidates with questionable qualifications.
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Given the recent completion of Assembly and Lok Sabha elections and the impending announcement of results on June 4, Naidu stressed the need for a fair and transparent selection process, free from any undue influence by the outgoing government.
In his appeal to the UPSC Chairman, Naidu requested the postponement of the interviews until June 7, allowing the incoming government to assume office and ensuring confidence among the public and aspiring candidates in the integrity of the selection process.
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