After flip-flops over the past two days regarding reports that he was planning to join politics, Mumbai police commissioner Satyapal Singh on Friday admitted to having sent his resignation to the state government as he wanted to “break free from the limitations of government service”.
Explaining his decision to seek voluntary retirement (VRS) after spending over three decades in police, Singh said: “Limitations in government service restrict one in the pursuit of his passions. I want to do many things towards nation-building, write books and devote time to my spiritual pursuit. I cannot perform these things to my satisfaction if I continued in public service.” He was due to retire towards the end of next year.
On whether his decision was prompted by the fact that he won’t be a contender for the top post in state police after his promotion to the director general (DG) rank — which is due for one year now — Singh said: “In Maharashtra police, Mumbai police commissioner’s post is considered the most coveted and I’ve been holding it for two years. After this, there is no temptation left.”
Though speculation about his formal induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a rally in his home town of Meerut on February 2 is doing the rounds, Singh sought to dismiss it. “The government has not yet relieved me. Let’s not speculate,” he said and termed earlier reports about his meetings with senior BJP leaders as “false and baseless”.
{{/usCountry}}Though speculation about his formal induction into the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at a rally in his home town of Meerut on February 2 is doing the rounds, Singh sought to dismiss it. “The government has not yet relieved me. Let’s not speculate,” he said and termed earlier reports about his meetings with senior BJP leaders as “false and baseless”.
{{/usCountry}}However, Singh kept his options open for a political innings. “Once I am free, I would like to try any particular idea or work that fascinates me,” he added. “There are a few offers and I would take a decision later,” he said, adding that he had had “a very satisfying tenure” in the state police. “I will now listen to my conscience,” he said.