MP: Former Deputy Collector, Who Sought High Court Intervention to Resign, Now Seeks Return to Service

Bhopal- Former Deputy Collector Nisha Bangre, who tendered her resignation from her position, has now formally requested the government to reinstate her.

Bangre is earnestly seeking to return to public service. Having transitioned into politics after leaving her job, Nisha now states that familial pressures weigh heavily on her decision. Despite being assured a ticket by the Congress party during elections, the promise remained unfulfilled, prompting her to reach out to the Chief Secretary with a formal request to rejoin the civil service.

On February 8, Nisha had a meeting with BJP leader and former state Home Minister Dr. Narottam Mishra. Clarifying the nature of their interaction, Nisha emphasized it was solely related to her professional aspirations.

Responding to inquiries about potential affiliations with the BJP or other governmental bodies, she expressed openness to considering any offers that may come her way, emphasizing her primary motive of serving society, whether through bureaucratic channels or political avenues.

She articulates, "My commitment is to social service, be it through administrative roles or political endeavors. However, familial expectations add another layer to this decision. With the capability to contribute significantly as a Deputy Collector, my family urges a return to civil service." Despite her proactive outreach to the Chief Secretary, Nisha awaits a response from the government regarding her reinstatement.

Was Appointed as Congress spokesperson

In March, the Congress party underwent significant restructuring with the formation of the Congress Media Department in Madhya Pradesh. On March 27, a pivotal change occurred within the media department, appointing Mukesh Nayak as its new chairman. Additionally, the party nominated 9 chief spokespersons and 22 spokespersons. Notably, among the appointed chief spokespersons was former Deputy Collector Nisha Bangre.

Expressing her disappointment, Nisha accused the Congress of reneging on its promises, particularly regarding a pledged Lok Sabha ticket. When questioned about potential affiliations with the BJP, Nisha clarified that she had not received any offers from the party. She had proactively written to the General Administration Department in January, seeking reinstatement, but her application remains pending with the government.

During the assembly elections held in November the previous year, Nisha had aspired to contest from the Amla seat on a Congress ticket. However, due to delays in the acceptance of her resignation by the government, the Congress had already nominated another candidate for the seat by the time her resignation was acknowledged.

Despite the political upheavals, Nisha reiterated her family's desire for her to return to civil service. She cited the provision within the Madhya Pradesh Service Rules that permits such transitions and highlighted instances where government employees had resigned, contested elections, and later resumed their service following electoral defeats.

Nisha, who formerly served as the SDM of Lavkush Nagar in Chhatarpur district, had submitted her resignation on June 23, 2023, to pursue her political ambitions in the assembly elections. However, her resignation was initially rejected by the General Administration Department, prompting her to seek legal recourse in the High Court. Although her resignation was eventually accepted by the government, she was unable to participate in the elections.

Bangre's Protest and Subsequent Detention

In October 2023, Deputy Collector Nisha Bangre embarked on a fast unto death outside the Chief Minister's residence, demanding acceptance of her resignation. However, upon her departure from the Board Office intersection in the capital, she was intercepted by a sizable police presence. Despite attempts by the police to compel her and her supporters into a vehicle, Bangre and her allies chose to sit on the road in protest. In the ensuing altercation with law enforcement, a photograph of Dr. Ambedkar was inadvertently damaged in Nisha's hands. Subsequently, the police resorted to forcibly detaining her supporters, placing them in a police van, and leading them away. During this chaotic episode, the protesters' clothing was torn amidst the scuffle.

As the protest unfolded, the police apprehended approximately a dozen supporters, who were subsequently released later in the evening. However, Nisha Bangre herself faced legal repercussions, with the authorities invoking sections 151, 107, and 116 against her. Later that evening, she was escorted to the Police Commissioner's office, where the bail process remained incomplete. Consequently, she was remanded to the Central Jail situated at Lalghati.

-Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai