Vijay Bhaskar, DV Prasad frontrunners for chief secretary post

Times News Network The names of senior IAS officers TM Vijay Bhaskar and DV Prasad (right) are doing the rounds for the chief secretary's post as incumbent K Ratna Prabha is set to retire on Saturday. Chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is expected to appoint either of the two to the coveted post by Saturday evening. According to sources in the government, Bhaskar, a 1983 batch IAS officer, stands a good chance to replace Ratna Prabha owing to his good track record. He has two years of service left. But sources said it may be Prasad who will succeed Prabha as he is being favoured by senior leaders in both JD(S) and Congress. Kumaraswamy had written to the Centre last week seeking a three-month extension for Ratna Prabha till September 30. However, the Centre hasn't responded to the proposal leaving the CM with no choice but to opt for a new officer. Sources said she is keeping her fingers crossed, hoping she may get the Centre's nod on Saturday. Sources in the CMO claimed Kumaraswamy withdrew his request seeking the extension on the advice of his father and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda. However, sources from the department of personnel and administrative reforms dismissed the claims, saying such theories are being floated to save the government from embarrassment.