PATNA – In a surprising development, IPS Anand Mishra, a key member of the special team investigating the Manipur violence, has tendered his resignation from the Indian Police Service (IPS). The resignation, effective from January 16, 2024, coincides with the conclusion of Kharmas.
Mishra, currently serving as SP in Lakhimpur district, Assam, has submitted his resignation to the Chief Secretary of the Government of Assam, expressing his desire for voluntary retirement.
The seasoned IPS officer, hailing from Parsonda village in Shahpur block of Bhojpur district in Bihar, cited a personal shift in focus towards freedom and social concerns in his resignation letter. Raised and educated in Kolkata, Mishra has gained recognition for his noteworthy contributions during his tenure, particularly in Nagaon district, where he took stringent actions against the drug mafia.
Speculation surrounds Mishra’s resignation, with indications suggesting his intention to enter the political arena by contesting the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Buxar. Buxar, known for its Brahmin dominance, has seen six consecutive victories by BJP Brahmin candidates in the past. Currently represented by Ashwini Kumar Choubey, the seat has a history of political prominence, previously held by Lalmuni Choubey and Jagdanand Singh.
Mishra’s strategic involvement in Buxar’s events and interactions with influential local figures in recent months has fueled rumors of his political aspirations. His ancestral village’s proximity to Buxar district, coupled with historical ties to the constituency, adds weight to the speculation.
It’s worth noting that Buxar has witnessed a trend of officers opting for retirement to pursue political ambitions. Notable examples include UP Singh, former Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court, and Gupteshwar Pandey, former DGP of Bihar. While UP Singh faced defeat on an RJD ticket, Gupteshwar Pandey, despite denying political aspirations, failed to secure the party ticket.
Mishra’s foray into politics adds another layer to the evolving political landscape, and his decision is poised to impact the dynamics of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Buxar.
