Former IAS officer Praveen Prakash has once again stirred political discussions after appearing in an interview with ABN Radhakrishna. The timing of this appearance has raised eyebrows, given his controversial past and his long silence since leaving service.
During YS Jagan Mohan Reddy’s tenure as Chief Minister, Praveen Prakash was brought in from Delhi and quickly became one of the most powerful figures in the CMO. Many described him as a “de facto CM,” often seen overriding the Chief Secretary’s authority. He played a major role in several controversial decisions during that period.
Over time, differences reportedly emerged between Jagan and Praveen Prakash, leading to his transfer to Andhra Bhavan in Delhi. Though he was later brought back, his influence had declined. After the recent change in government, Praveen Prakash took voluntary retirement (VRS), surprising many.
Months later, he tried to withdraw his VRS but allegedly backed off, fearing the current Chief Minister might reject the request. Since then, he had remained away from the spotlight until now.
In his latest interview with Radhakrishna, Praveen Prakash insisted he never overstepped politically and only followed the directions of the Chief Minister he served. Despite RK’s sharp questioning, he maintained that he acted strictly within bureaucratic limits.
The timing of the interview, however, has drawn speculation. If he believes Chandrababu Naidu still holds a grudge, then appearing on a channel known for its opposition to Jagan seems unlikely to please the current government. This leaves observers questioning the true motive.
From ABN’s perspective, the interview is pure media material, featuring a high-profile bureaucrat speaking after years of silence. But for Praveen Prakash, the intent remains unclear. With no possibility of a nominated post or official role, his sudden reappearance seems more about shaping perception than seeking a political comeback.
