Who would be Chief Secretary of Karnataka?

Speculations are rife in the bureaucratic circle as to who would be the next Chief Secretary of Karnataka. The incumbent CS, Vandita Sharma (IAS: 1986: KT), is retiring in November, 2023. Rajneesh Goel (IAS: 1986: KT) is said to be the front- runner. The Chief Minister had recently appointed Goel in his office and if this is any indication, he could hold the post in near future. Names of other senior IAS officers such as Ajay Seth (IAS: 1987: KT), V Manjula (IAS: 1987: KT) and Rakesh Singh (IAS: 1987: KT) are also doing the rounds.