It seems Telangana’s Chief Secretary Santhi Kumar is keeping a tight lid on her appointment calendar, and not everyone is making it past the gates. Whispers among the bureaucratic circles suggest that some officials, particularly those perceived as being close to the previous regime, are struggling to secure even a few minutes of her time. One bureaucrat reportedly gave up after being turned away three times—a rather telling anecdote that’s now making the rounds. Is this an intentional snub aimed at a select few, or are all officials finding it equally hard to gain access? The speculation is rife, with some insiders pointing out that such exclusivity would be unusual in the functioning of a bureaucracy, where access typically trumps allegiance. Whether it’s a deliberate move or a mere scheduling issue, the lack of clarity is fuelling plenty of chatter. For now, those seeking an audience with the CS might need a mix of patience and persistence—or perhaps a fourth try!