Alok Ranjan, Former Chief Secretary, Emerges as Samajwadi Party’s Rajya Sabha Pick

The Samajwadi Party (SP) announced its candidates for the 10 Rajya Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh, and among them is retired bureaucrat Alok Ranjan, a former state chief secretary. Although not an official party member yet, Ranjan has been an integral part of SP’s strategy team and played a significant role in drafting the party’s 2022 Assembly poll manifesto. The inclusion of Alok Ranjan, a Kayastha by caste, is seen as an effort by the SP to engage in social engineering and appeal to a dominant community in central UP. Ranjan’s nomination brings governance expertise and a strategic perspective to SP’s political landscape.

Key Points:

1. Alok Ranjan’s Background: Alok Ranjan, a 1978-batch IAS officer, served as the state chief secretary from May 2014 to June 2016 under Chief Minister Akhilesh Singh. After retirement, he continued as Akhilesh’s chief adviser with ministerial rank until March 2017.
2. Political Involvement: Although not officially a member, Ranjan has been part of SP’s “think tank” and strategy-making team for the past seven years, contributing significantly to the party’s policy formulations and manifesto.
3. Social Engineering: Alok Ranjan’s nomination is considered a move by the SP for social engineering. As a Kayastha, he represents a community with a significant presence in central UP, traditionally a stronghold for the BJP. Ranjan’s rising profile within his community is evident from his appointment as the chairman of Vishwa Kayastha Sansthan.
4. Governance Expertise: Ranjan, during his tenure as chief secretary, oversaw the completion of crucial infrastructure projects, including the Lucknow-Agra Expressway, Lucknow Metro, and the Dial 100 program. His bureaucratic experience adds governance expertise to the political landscape.
5. Educational and Literary Contributions: Post-retirement, Alok Ranjan has authored books on public policy and leadership. He currently serves as a visiting professor at IIM Lucknow and is associated with various educational institutes in Lucknow.
6. Political Journey: Expressing gratitude for the nomination, Ranjan mentioned starting his political journey and working towards the welfare of the people. His political initiation aligns with SP’s strategy for the Rajya Sabha elections.

Alok Ranjan’s nomination reflects SP’s emphasis on experience, strategic acumen, and social inclusivity in its political approach.