whispers in the corridors
Will Mamata Banerjee Agree to Merge TMC with Congress Amid Internal Crisis?
In a potentially significant development for opposition politics, Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has reportedly reached out to Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee with a proposal to merge her party with the Congress. The outreach comes at a time when the TMC is said to be navigating internal challenges, prompting speculation about a broader political realignment ahead of future electoral contests.
Sources indicate that Mamata Banerjee has not rejected the proposal outright and has instead sought time to deliberate. Crucially, discussions are believed to hinge on a power-sharing arrangement, with Banerjee reportedly exploring a deal that would allow her leadership to retain strategic control over eastern India, particularly West Bengal and neighboring regions where the TMC maintains influence.
While neither side has officially confirmed the talks, the development signals a possible shift in opposition consolidation efforts against the BJP. A merger, if it materializes, could reshape the political landscape by combining Congress’s national footprint with TMC’s regional strength.
However, ideological differences, leadership ambitions, and state-level dynamics remain key hurdles that could complicate any such move in the coming months.
Keep these files, new minister will sign ?
One important minister has reportedly asked the officials to keep files pending and put up such cases before the new minister. The minister's reported comment has surprised officials of the ministry. One can guess the name of the minister.
Curious case : Is West Bengal following Maharashtra?
West Bengal Chief recently Suvendu Adhikari visited New Delhi but he reportedly stayed in Maharashtra Sadan & not in West Bengal Bhawan or Sadan ? Why the CM did so, only he can throw some light.
All 28 Chief Ministers attended NITI Ayog meeting
For the first time all 28 Chief Ministers in the country participated in the 11th Governing Council Meeting of the NITI Ayog.The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- Will three Secretaries go to state as Chief Secretary ?
- 150 new positions created in ED
- “Start Early, Stay Disciplined”: SBI Pension Funds MD & CEO Pranay Ranjan Dwivedi on Building India’s Retirement Future
- PSBs to Update Transfer Policies
- Is Ex WB Chief Secy, Alapan Bandyopadhyay Aiding Mamata Banerjee to Deal with TMC Factionalism in an Advisory Capacity?
- PESB Recommends T Vannia Perumal for Director (Production), BVFCL
- Post of Managing Director in NTPC Green Energy Limited Advertised
- PSUs Focus on Green Energy, Infra
- Expedite IAS Deputation to PSUs
- India-US Army Staff Talks
- Navy Inducs Multiple Indigenous Vessels
- Tenure of Ajay Singh as CG State Election Commissioner extended
- Rudra Gaurav Shresth is next Ambassador to Turkiye
- NTPC Tender For GNGPP
- RailTel Bas Rs 82 Cr Contract
- Anjana Luthra is CS & CO, PGCIL while Vallurie is CFO
- Post of Director (Comm), MOIL Ltd to fall vacant in June 2027
- Online applications for NOS Scheme for 2026-27 invited
- Technical Expert in the National Makhana Board sought
- RVNL to fill six Sr DGM-Civil posts for various locations
- DFCCIL advertises DCPM/OM-Finance, Ahmedabad post
- YP for Cyber Security Cell, Civil Aviation Ministry advertised
- Applications for Consultant post in Skill Devp Ministry invited
- Infrastructure Engineer for United States sought
- Platform Engineering Analyst for Chennai sought
- Aditya Kumar posted as PCPO, Central Railway
- Ms Darshnita Ahluwatia posted as PCPO, SECR
- Rajneesh Narain appointed Director (Fin.), IRCTC
- Real Estate & Commercial Outlook
- Deep Tech Improving With Policy Support
- Chandrasekhara Rao Battula appointed interim CEO, STL Networks Ltd
- Vimal Bhatnagar appointed Addl. Director, Oswal Greentech Ltd
- Ms Prerna Singh appointed Addl. Director, Oswal Greentech Ltd
- Babu Ram Somani appointed Addl. Director, Oswal Greentech Ltd
- Manoj Kumar Pahwa quits as NE Director, Max Heights Infrastructure Ltd
- Sanjay Kothari steps down as NE Director, Clean Science and Technology Ltd
- Ms Rajshree Patel bows out as Ind. Director, Advanced Enzyme Technologies Ltd
In Delhi bureaucratic circles, there is hot rumour that three Secretaries in GoI are returning to the parent state as Chief Secretary in a month or two.
After review, the investigating agency ED has been given 150 new positions - from Special Direct to MTS. Now the agency is reportedly busy in fulfilling these vacancies.
In an exclusive interaction with Whispers in the Corridors, Mr. Pranay Ranjan Dwivedi, MD & CEO, SBI Pension Funds Pvt. Ltd, shared insights into the company’s impressive performance in FY 2025–26 and its vision for strengthening India’s pension ecosystem.
Under his leadership, SBI Pension Funds has continued its robust growth trajectory, with Assets Under Management (AUM) witnessing sustained expansion and several major schemes outperforming benchmark indices. The company’s disciplined investment approach, strong research framework, and prudent risk management have enabled it to deliver competitive, risk-adjusted returns, earning the trust of subscribers across the country.
Mr. Dwivedi emphasized that digital transformation remains at the core of SBI Pension Funds’ strategy, helping simplify customer onboarding, enhance service delivery, and expand outreach. Looking ahead, the organization’s focus will remain on investment excellence, market expansion—particularly in Tier-II and Tier-III cities—and delivering a seamless customer experience.
He also highlighted the importance of increasing youth participation in retirement planning through the National Pension System (NPS), while describing NPS Vatsalya as a transformative initiative that can foster early financial planning habits and encourage long-term wealth creation among families.
Speaking on the broader role of pension funds, Mr. Dwivedi noted that they are vital contributors to both economic development and social security, supporting infrastructure growth, financial inclusion, and retirement preparedness. Reaffirming SBI Pension Funds’ commitment to the vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047,” he encouraged young professionals to adopt a disciplined approach towards retirement planning and harness the power of compounding by starting early.
Read the complete interview with Mr. Pranay Ranjan Dwivedi, MD & CEO, SBI Pension Funds in the June 2026 edition of Whispers in the Corridors.
Finance Ministry guidelines urge PSBs to update transfer policies for transparency, prioritize women employees, complete exercises by June annually to avoid mid-year disruptions, and keep officers up to Scale-III in linguistic regions. Many banks e.g., Central Bank, Union Bank, have FY 2025-26 policies emphasising automation and uniformity.
Alapan Bandyopadhyay, a retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary of West Bengal, remains one of the most influential bureaucratic figures associated with Mamata Banerjee. After his contentious exit from central deputation in 2021, he was appointed as Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister, cementing his proximity to Banerjee’s political and administrative decision-making.
Sources indicate that Bandyopadhyay continues to play a behind-the-scenes advisory role even after Banerjee’s tenure as Chief Minister, particularly amid growing concerns over factionalism within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). His experience in governance and crisis management is seen as an asset as the party navigates internal dissent and leadership rivalries at both state and district levels.
There is also emerging speculation within political circles that Bandyopadhyay has been informally consulted on broader strategic questions, including the potential recalibration of TMC’s national positioning. This reportedly includes exploratory discussions around closer alignment or even a structural merger with the Congress party as part of a larger anti-BJP consolidation effort.
While no formal moves have been announced, his continued involvement signals the importance Banerjee places on bureaucratic counsel in shaping political strategy.
The PESB has recommended name of T Vannia Perumal, Deputy General Manager DGM -Training, Madras Fertilizers Limited (MFL), for the post of Director (Production), Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Limited (BVFCL).
The Public Enterprise Selection Board has advertised the post of Managing Director in NTPC Green Energy Limited. The applications must reach by July 2, 2026.
Focus on green energy, infrastructure (e.g., pumped storage, solar, CBG plants), defence indigenization, and sustainability. PSUs are driving capex in renewables, shipping, and mining. MoUs and partnerships (e.g., with states) are common.
Continued emphasis on board professionalism, faster appointments via PESB/ACC, and potential fast-track IAS deputation to PSUs for tech skills.
29th edition co-chaired by Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of Army Staff, Strategy and US counterpart in Hawaii. Advances bilateral ties.
Indian Navy preparing to induct multiple indigenous vessels in June 2026 (references to 5–6 ships; part of broader 19 warships in a year). L&T is expanding Kattupalli shipyard.
The tenure of 1983 batch former IAS officer Ajay Singh as State Election Commissioner, Chhattisgarh State Election Commission, has been extended up to February 2027.
Rudra Gaurav Shresth, presently Ambassador of India to the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Turkiye. He is a 1999 batch IFS officer.
NTPC floated a tender for a 108 MW Great Nicobar Gas Power Project.
RailTel (Navratna) bagged an ₹82.04 crore railway signaling contract.
Anjana Luthra has been appointed as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. Prior to this, she was serving as General Manager (Company Secretariat). Also, Venkata Subrahamanayam Vallurie has taken over as Chief Financial Officer .
PESB has advertised the post of Director (Commercial), MOIL Limited which will fall vacant in June 2027. Applications must reach latest by June 29, 2026.
The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has invited online applications for the National Overseas Scholarship Scheme for 2026-27. Applications must reach latest by June 30, 2026.
The Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is seeking to engage a Technical Expert in the National Makhana Board on contract basis. Applications must reach latest by June 30, 2026.
Rail Vikas Nigam Limited is seeking to fill six Senior Deputy General Manager (Civil) posts on deputation basis. The vacancies are for Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Hubli/Goa, Delhi Varanasi and Kolkata. Applications must reach latest by July 7, 2026.
Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited has advertised the posts of Deputy Chief Project Manager/ Project Manager-Finance for Ahmedabad on deputation basis. Applications must reach latest by July 5, 2026.
Ministry of Civil Aviation is seeking Young Professional in the Cyber Security Cell on contract basis. Applications must reach latest by June 30, 2026.
Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship has invited applications for the post of Consultant on contract basis. Details can be availed from https://www.msde.gov.in/.
World Bank is seeking to fill the post of Infrastructure Engineer for Washington, DC, United States. Applications must reach latest by June 24, 2026.
World Bank has advertised the post of Platform Engineering Analyst for Chennai. Applications must reach latest by June 24, 2026.
Aditya Kumar, who is presently serving as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO), South East Central Railway (SECR), has been transferred to Central Railway (CR) and posted as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO). He is an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer.
Ms Darshnita Ahluwatia, who is presently serving in South East Central Railway (SECR), has been posted as Principal Chief Personnel Officer (PCPO) (CHOD) on the Railway itself. She is an Indian Railway Personnel Service (IRPS) officer.
Rajneesh Narain, presently serving as Director (Finance), Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL), has been appointed as Director (Finance), Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC), on an immediate absorption basis. He will hold the post till his superannuation on June 30, 2030.
Real estate and commercial outlook stable-to-positive with premiumization in retail and residential and data center growth.
Whispers over steady talent movement toward renewables, fintech, and AI; challenges in deep tech fundraising persist but improving with policy support.
Chandrasekhara Rao Battula has been appointed as Additional Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer, designated as Whole-Time Director and Key Managerial Personnel of STL Networks Limited.
Vimal Bhatnagar has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Oswal Greentech Limited.
Ms. Prerna Singh has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Oswal Greentech Limited.
Babu Ram Somani has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Oswal Greentech Limited.
Manoj Kumar Pahwa has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Max Heights Infrastructure Limited.
Sanjay Kothari has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Clean Science and Technology Limited due to pre-occupation.
Ms. Rajshree Patel has ceased to be Independent Director of Advanced Enzyme Technologies Limited upon completion of her second consecutive term.
“Delhi Gymkhana Dilemma”
The club reinforces the belief that people enjoying administrative or financial powers, receive preferential treatment over the less fortunately circumstanced.
The government in the L&DO has justifiably invoked Clause 4 of the lease deed, citing that land is urgently required for "defense infrastructure, strategic purposes, and public use”.
The club management approached the Delhi High Court to halt the eviction order.. While the court declined to issue an immediate stay, it provided temporary relief after the government’s No gym,only khana. The club reminds one of an autocracy,where the people enjoying political counsel assured that any eviction procedures would be carried out strictly "in accordance with law". The club has raised concerns regarding the livelihoods of its hundreds of its employees and the “fate” of its members who have paid large deposits
Government’s right to issue eviction order cannot be questioned,Built in 1913 on public land, the L&DO is the club’s owner. Sudden eruption of security concerns after more than a century,is disturbing. India's elite clubs have suddenly become uncomfortable. It is not about Delhi club alone but about all elite clubs across the country.Questions are being raised both by the government and those who denounce the infamous "club culture" for supporting privileges.
The club has a chequered history of financial mismanagement and membership manipulations. The members include among others, retired bureaucrats ( largely from IAS,IPS and IRS),retired Armed Forces officers, powerful politicians and diplomats. The audit have pointed out grave financial irregularities. Is the club just a watering hole for the rich and powerful, one wonders?
A word about national security. A former CIA officer Robert Baer claimed in his memoir recorded decades back that the elite Delhi club played a crucial role in covert operations to obtain classified information. Is the practice still continuing?
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)
Serving a copy of documents to the opposite party in a hearing before the CIC
A member of the Delhi Niwas Cooperative Group Housing Society Ltd., Delhi sought information regarding financial irregularities in the Society's accounts. The CIC reminded the Complainant that serving a copy of documents (including Complaint, Second Appeal and Written submissions) to the opposite party is fundamental requirement for due process in legal proceedings and crucial for fairness, transparency, and also in the interest of expeditious response from the concerned Public Authority. It further reinforces the bonafide interest of the Appellant in obtaining the information at the earliest possible. The requirement of advance service is in accordance with the audi alteram partem requirement. It further ensures that the opposite party is aware of the facts of filing of a case in CIC, arguments of the Appellant and reason for discontentment.
Comments
Audi alteram partem is a Latin phrase that means "hear the other side" and refers to the legal principle that no person should be judged or have a decision made against them without a fair hearing. It has been seen that where the applicant had served advance copy of the Second Appeal/Complaint on the opposite party, the Respondent Public Authority tries proactively to resolve the case by either providing clarity on the subject or by providing revised and updated reply to the Appellants before the date of hearing. The result is a faster delivery of information, reducing the time, energy and efforts of the CIC in an early disposal. Thus, it is the interest of the Appellant/Complainant to serve copy of Second Appeal/Complaint on the Respondents.
Citation: Subhash Chander Banga v. Office of the Registrar Cooperative Societies, File No: CIC/REGCS/C/2024/612685; Date of Decision: 25.08.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com
Dr. Suresh Mehrotra
Editor-in-Chief
mehrotra.suresh@gmail.com
suresh.mehrotra@yahoo.com
Sapna Mehrotra (Magazine)
Chief Executive Officer
mehrotra.sapna@gmail.com
Prakash Pillai
Digital Editor
prakashpillai@gmail.com
(Cell) : +91-9826424892
Yogesh Joshi
Editor (Magazine)
a.editor.whispers@gmail.com
(Cell) : +91-9718708267
Rajendra Sharma
Consulting Editor
rajendrasharma.witc@gmail.com
Prakash Shrivastava
News Editor (Digital)
prakashshrivastava1000@gmail.com
Harsha Bhatnagar
Associate Editor
harshabhatnagar@gmail.com
Rajendra Gupta
Business Head
rajendragupta.witc@gmail.com
(Cell) +919893033311
Pradeep Gayakwad
Marketing Manager
sales.whispersinthecorridors@gmail.com
(Cell) +91-9075012299
whispersinthecorridors.com
A Unit of Arushi News Network
Corporate Office: E-19, 45 Bungalows T.T Nagar,
Bhopal (M.P) India.
Phone & Tele Fax: +91-755-4221719
Dear surfers looking to an increased demand for latest news on your favourite website i.e. (https://www.whispersinthecorridors.com) we are nowadays updating it as and when the developments take place. Keep reading & wish you a happy browsing.
Share your information with suresh.mehrotra@yahoo.com & mehrotra.suresh@gmail.com.
Breaking news of bureaucrats in India at Whispers in the Corridors
Stay updated with the latest Indian government news and exclusive insights into the world of bureaucracy at Whispers in the Corridors. Get real-time IAS news updates and IPS news updates, covering key transfers, promotions, and policy decisions that shape the nation. Our platform delivers credible and timely information on government affairs, administrative changes, and political developments, ensuring you never miss an important update. Whether you are a civil services aspirant, government official, or policy enthusiast, Whispers in the Corridors is your go-to source for accurate and up-to-date government news.
|
Shipping and Delivery | Privacy Policy | Cancellation and Refund
