Samajwadi Party criticises U.P. Govt. over IAS officer’s resignation

Samajwadi Party (SP) on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) criticised the Uttar Pradesh Government over the resignation of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Rinku Singh Rahi, alleging that ‘efficient officials have no importance in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’. The only ones who are respected are those who steal money or those who charge a five percent entry fee even for investments, the party said.

“Efficient officials have no importance in the BJP government. The only ones who are respected are those who steal money or those who charge an five percent entry fee even for investments. We urge every good officer not to make any decisions under the influence of emotions; the bad days are about to end. The PDA government will come and give everyone due respect and dignity, as the PDA government will be a people’s government, truly work for development to solve problems and eliminate inequalities. Quality work and timely completion always require excellent officers. We have always valued and will continue to value officers who are skilled in their work. Whether it’s an aggrieved officer or an employee, everyone is united with the PDA to oust the BJP. The “suffering” is increasing, and so is the PDA,” Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said in a post on X.

Party spokesperson Nasser Salim said when experienced and capable officers choose to step away from public service, it naturally raises questions about the institutional environment and added dignity of the civil services must be protected.

“We share the broader concern that the morale, autonomy, and dignity of the civil services must be protected in any democracy. When experienced and capable officers choose to step away from public service, it naturally raises questions about the institutional environment in which they are expected to function. Our position is not about targeting individuals or making unsubstantiated accusations. It is about highlighting the need for a governance framework where merit, integrity, and professionalism are consistently encouraged and valued. Administrative efficiency and ethical conduct should always be the cornerstone of public administration. We believe that civil servants should be able to work without fear or undue pressure, and with the assurance that honesty and competence will be recognized. Constructive reflection on such developments is necessary so that institutions remain strong, impartial, and dedicated solely to public welfare,” said Mr. Salim. 

In a statement to The Hindu, former Chief Secretary Alok Ranjan said the resignation is ‘not a good thing’.

“The resignation is not a good thing to happen, it gives an impression that the officer is not been fairly treated. The person is not been given proper posting. The posting is the jurisdiction of the government but all said and done the officer doesn’t deserve such a treatment,” Mr. Ranjan said.  

Rinku Singh Rahi, a 2022-batch IAS officer, wrote a letter on March 26, offering technical resignation alleging that he had not been given any meaningful responsibilities for a prolonged period and kept in attached position preventing him from serving the people. In July last 2025, Mr. Rahi was attached to the U.P. Revenue Board after a video went viral showing him performing sit-ups while holding ears amid a protest by lawyers in Shahjahanpur district.