Bengaluru: The sudden transfer of Bangalore Development Authority(BDA) Commissioner, T Sham Bhat, who had set a record of sorts by surviving in his position for four long years despite a change of government, has raised eyebrows in political and administrative circles.
Although sources close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claim it is a routine transfer, long overdue owing to Mr Bhat's long stint in the BDA, others feel he has been moved to the Department of Cooperation as principal secretary only to avoid embarrassment to the government in the wake of the Karnataka High Court directing it to appoint an honest person to the Karnataka Public Service Commission(KPSC).
Appointed as BDA commissioner on August 27, 2012 by then Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Mr Bhat continued in the post while other IAS officers were reshuffled like a pack of cards thanks to the 'blessings' of the Congress government.
But his luck ran out after the high court, acting upon a petition questioning the government's decision to recommend his name for KPSC chairman, asked one too many questions about him. Mr Bhat has been accused of involvement in the denotification of sites in the Arkavathy Layout and using his office to do favours for politicians.
The Governor too has returned the file recommending his name for the top post in the public service commission. Although the officer is due to retire in December this year, the government is still keen on appointing him KPSC chairman, claim sources.
