The first IAS topper from Jammu and Kashmir, Shah Faesal has reportedly resigned from the service and is likely to join the politics, reports claimed.
Faesal, according to a report by The Print is set to join the National Conference and is eyeing the Baramulla seat.
The 2009, batch topper sought voluntary retirement on Monday to join the Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference. Faesal, 35, who comes from the Lolab valley in Kupwara, is believed to be eyeing the Baramulla constituency in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the report said.
“He applied for voluntary retirement the day before, but the process takes time since it has to be approved by the DoPT,” a source familiar with the development told ThePrint.
Faesal reportedly arrived in the Valley on 2 January, after which he decided to resign from the service.
“He might have sent an intent of resignation to his employer,” a source familiar to the process said. “Normally, it has to be a notice that initiates the process. One had almost a three months time to formally submit the resignation after the notice lands with the DoPT.”
Efforts to get the confirmation from DR Faesal failed. Sources said he was busy with a friend and may not be able to pick the phone.
Meanwhile, welcoming the IAS topper, Omar Abdullah, the vice president of National Conference and former chief minister of J&K wrote on his twitter handle: “The bureaucracy’s loss is politics’ gain. Welcome to the fold @shahfaesal.”
“Actually I welcomed him to the fold of politicians. His future political plans are his to announce,” he wrote on another tweet.
Kashmir’s lone IAS topper has been hinting of the decision for a long time. It is not immediately known if he joins NC, PDP or any other party.
