Nikunja Bihari Dhal, a 1993-batch senior IAS officer, is set to take on a new role as Secretary in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs at the Centre, following his formal release by the Odisha government for central deputation. He will succeed Umang Narula, who is scheduled to retire on June 30, 2025.
Just a day after being relieved from his post as Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Mr. Dhal shared a candid post on LinkedIn, reflecting on the personal and professional challenges he faced during the last 18 months of his state-level service.
Struggles with Health and Workload
In the post, Mr. Dhal spoke openly about the intensity of his workload, particularly after assuming the role of Additional Chief Secretary on June 30, 2024, shortly after the BJP came to power in Odisha. He also oversaw the 2024 General Elections in his capacity as Chief Electoral Officer, a responsibility he described as among the most demanding of his career.
“The past 18 months have been extremely stressful,” he wrote. “Managing the 2024 General Elections was perhaps the most challenging task, followed by my tenure as ACS to the CM, which involved very long working hours.”
Mr. Dhal revealed that the stress took a significant toll on his health, even leading to hospitalization in early March. He admitted he struggled to devote time to his personal life and family.
Subtle Silence, Possible Signals
While Mr. Dhal expressed gratitude toward friends and well-wishers who supported him, his message notably made no reference to the Chief Minister or state colleagues — a silence that some observers interpret as a subtle comment amid reports of internal tensions within the ruling BJP.
Next Chapter at the Centre
Mr. Dhal’s appointment to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs was officially cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on April 18, 2025. He is expected to bring his administrative experience to a national platform during a crucial phase of parliamentary operations.
Meanwhile, the Odisha government has not yet named a successor to the influential post of Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, sparking speculation about the political maneuvering behind the scenes. The position is seen as strategically vital, and the next appointment is being closely watched by both bureaucratic and political circles.
