Retired IAS, IPS officers in AP jump on poll bandwagon

Hyderabad, April 9: Retired IAS and IPS officers have thrown their hat in the ring in the election arena in Andhra Pradesh which has already seen the entry of cine stars and businessmen.

The latest entrant into the political arena is former Director General of Police V Dinesh Reddy, who joined YSR Congress Party. Reddy, who is contesting from Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency, said he was "inspired" by the ideology of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy.

"I held many important positions during his leadership. I was truly inspired by his schemes for poor people. I believe, his son (Y S Jaganmohan Reddy) is capable of continuing his father's legacy," he said.

Chaya Ratan, a retired IAS of AP cadre, has already filed her nomination for Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency from Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). The 1977-batch officer says the "sorry state of affairs" and political situation in the country prompted her to get into politics. With AAP she expects reforms in the whole system.

"The failure of political parties in giving directions and lack of commitment in developing the country by the parties, I feel from the platform of AAP we will be able bring in changes and right kind of leadership for social change in the country," Ratan told PTI.

R Seetha Ramarao, a former IPS and retired Additional DGP, said he feels that by joining politics he is transiting from Indian Police Service to Indian Political Service.

"I think politics is a better way to be closer to people. This is the place where you can call spade a spade. In government service you always have limitations," said Ramarao, who, however, made it clear that contesting elections is not his cup of tea.

The 1980-batch official was invited to join politics by TDP supremo N Chandrababu Naidu, on the day of his retirement, and has remained an active member since then. "I joined the party unconditionally. I am not interested to contest direct elections. Party has also asked me several times. Somehow I am not inclined," he said.

PTI