Lucknow, May 31: The race for the next Director General of Police (DGP) in Uttar Pradesh is heating up as Prashant Kumar, the current DGP, is set to retire today. However, sources indicate that there is a strong possibility he may receive a service extension, with high-level deliberations underway between the state and central governments.
Despite a formal farewell ceremony held at Police Headquarters on May 29, which saw the retirement of IPS officers P.V. Rama Shastri and Sanjay M. Tarde, Prashant Kumar’s name was noticeably absent from the proceedings — further fueling speculation that the government is considering extending his tenure.
Trusted Aide of CM Yogi
Prashant Kumar is considered one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s most trusted senior officers, particularly known for his strong administrative acumen and law-and-order management. With his retirement today, the state government has reportedly sent a formal proposal to the Centre regarding his possible extension.
Who Could Be the Next DGP?
Meanwhile, the selection process for a new DGP is in motion at the top administrative levels. Several high-ranking IPS officers are being considered for the position:
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Tilottama Verma – Director General (Training)
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Rajeev Krishna – DG (Vigilance) and Chairman, Police Recruitment Board
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Daljit Chaudhary – Director General, Border Security Force (BSF)
Among them, Daljit Chaudhary’s name has gained traction, especially after his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This meeting has intensified speculation that he could be appointed the next DGP of Uttar Pradesh.
Political Reactions
The political temperature around the DGP appointment also saw a spike when Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav took a jab at the government. In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Yadav remarked, “UP has set a record for acting DGPs. Will it now set one for service extensions too?”
All Eyes on Government’s Decision
With only hours left before the official transition, the big question remains — Will Prashant Kumar receive an extension or will a new face lead UP Police? The answer is expected to come from the government shortly, but until then, the suspense continues to dominate conversations across administrative and law enforcement circles.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.