IAS officer behind Kashi’s makeover likely to join Delhi CMO

LUCKNOW: Just over two weeks since he was posted as secretary in the UP chief minister's office, Kaushal Raj Sharma — credited with Varanasi's beautification and urban rejuvenation — was on Tuesday sent to Delhi on an inter-cadre deputation for three years. According to sources, the official is likely to be posted in the Delhi CM's office.According to sources, the official received direct approval from senior leadership to oversee significant initiatives, including the Yamuna riverfront development project.This selection was influenced by his successful track record whilst working in the Prime Minister's parliamentary constituency, which earned him recognition from the PMO.The 2006-batch officer has been sent on deputation to Delhi for three years, according to a circular signed by Anshuman Mishra, Under Secretary, Department of Personnel and Training.Sharma was serving as divisional commissioner of Varanasi before his shift back to Lucknow. After BJP's ascension to power in Uttar Pradesh in 2017, Sharma was appointed as the DM of Varanasi parliamentary constituency. From 2019 to April 22, 2025, Sharma supervised Varanasi's transformation. During this six-year tenure, he played a crucial role in enhancing the aesthetics of the PM's parliamentary constituency.His management of PM Modi's ambitious project — Kashi Vishwanath Corridor — also received commendation. The task was particularly challenging as it involved persuading over 300 families to accept the demolition of their residences for the corridor's reconstruction. The project's successful completion within the stipulated timeframe, free from any disputes, was attributed to Sharma's direct supervision and leadership.He earlier served as district magistrate of Lucknow from 2017 to 2019, before being appointed DM Varanasi until 2022, when he was elevated to the post of divisional commissioner. He also served as DM of Kanpur Nagar, Prayagraj, Muzaffarnagar, and Pilibhit. Sharma was sent to manage the charged Muzaffarnagar shortly after the district was singed by communal riots in 2013.