Central Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Chhattisgarh, initially planned for June 16th, was postponed due to the Ahmedabad plane crash. A revised schedule has been prepared, and he is now expected to arrive in Raipur on the evening of June 22nd. He will be staying overnight at the BJP headquarters in Raipur. The primary focus of Amit Shah’s visit will be a significant meeting concerning the Naxal issue. Key officials from central security forces such as the CRPF, BSF, and ITBP will be present. Furthermore, Amit Shah might visit the home of Additional SP Akash Rao Giripunje, who was martyred in the Sukma Naxal attack, to pay his respects. The detailed schedule, including timings and specific programs, is yet to be finalized.
Discussions are also anticipated regarding the long-pending expansion of the Vishnu Deo Sai cabinet in Chhattisgarh. With the retirement of Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain this month, the appointment of his successor is also under consideration. Similarly, the decision on a full-time DGP, despite the UPSC panel’s recommendations, remains pending. The panel includes the in-charge DGP and Himanshu Gupta. Sources suggest that these three crucial matters could be addressed during Amit Shah’s Raipur visit on June 22nd. The appointment of a new Chief Secretary is imperative due to the lack of an in-charge position. With Amitabh Jain retiring in 11 days, the new Chief Secretary must be finalized by the 30th. The identity of the next Chief Secretary is currently unknown. Considering the significant role of the Indian government in the appointment of Chief Secretaries in states like Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Haryana, it is speculated that the central government will also play a key role in Chhattisgarh’s Chief Secretary and DGP appointments. While there might be instances where the central government does not have specific preferences, it is confirmed that the state government will seek the Home Minister’s input before finalizing the Chief Secretary and full-time DGP appointments.
Additionally, Amit Shah may hold a meeting with the party organization, potentially engaging in discussions with MLAs and prominent leaders.