In a notable administrative reshuffle, the Madhya Pradesh government has once again reorganized the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) — the fourth such restructuring since December 2023. The most significant move is the replacement of Rajesh Kumar Rajora (IAS: 1990: MP) as Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) to the Chief Minister with Neeraj Mandloi (IAS: 1993: MP).
The latest changes, announced on Sunday, July 6, are part of a broader bureaucratic reshuffle involving ten senior IAS officers, and reflect CM Dr. Mohan Yadav’s ongoing efforts to reshape his core administrative team.
Rajora Relieved from CMO, Retains Key Portfolios
Although Rajora has been removed from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, he continues to hold two important posts—Vice Chairman of the Narmada Valley Development Authority (NVDA) and ACS of the Water Resources Department. His exit from the CMO, however, points to a significant shift in the Chief Minister’s inner administrative circle, which has been marked by constant changes over the past 18 months.
Mandloi’s Appointment Signals Continued Turnover
The induction of Neeraj Mandloi into the CMO comes amid a pattern of rapid leadership changes since CM Yadav took office in December 2023. Initially, Raghvendra Kumar Singh (IAS: 1997: MP) was appointed as Principal Secretary (PS) to the CM. In June 2024, Rajora took over as ACS, while Sanjay Kumar Shukla (IAS: 1994: MP) joined as an additional PS—resulting in a unique structure with one ACS and two PS-level officials in the CMO.
However, both Singh and Shukla were transferred out in November 2024, and the current reshuffle marks yet another high-level change in a secretariat that has been frequently restructured.
Context: Anurag Jain’s Appointment Reorients Power Dynamics
Rajora’s elevation to ACS had earlier fueled speculation that he was being groomed for the Chief Secretary post, particularly after he was assigned oversight of 15 key departments, including coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). But in a surprise turn, Anurag Jain (IAS: 1989: MP), then on central deputation, was appointed Chief Secretary, bypassing Rajora.
Since Jain’s return, several senior-level administrative changes have followed, suggesting a strategic consolidation of authority under the new Chief Secretary’s leadership.
High Frequency of Transfers Reflects Shifting Power Equations
The Yadav administration has seen frequent transfers of top officials, particularly those connected to the CMO. Sanjay Shukla, for example, has been reassigned at least six times since December 2023, holding roles in industries, Raj Bhawan, women and child development, mining, and most recently, General Administration.
Likewise, Bharat Yadav (IAS: 2008: MP), who served briefly as Secretary to the CM, was transferred in January 2025 to head the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation (MPRDC).
This continued churn reflects the evolving bureaucratic dynamics within the Yadav administration and signals strategic maneuvering ahead of upcoming political and policy priorities.
