Four Key Aides Removed from Environment Minister's Office; Congress Seeks Explanation

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has removed four key aides of Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, prompting questions from the opposition Congress party. The ministry issued separate orders on July 3, shunting out or terminating the appointments of Yadav's private secretaries and an assistant private secretary.

According to reports, the Minister's Private Secretary and Additional Private Secretary were transferred, while the appointment of another Additional Private Secretary was terminated. Additionally, the appointment of Assistant Private Secretary Siddharth Yadav was also terminated with immediate effect.

The order terminating Siddharth Yadav's appointment, signed by Under Secretary Vibhuti Panjiyar, states: 'In pursuance of Department of Personnel and Training's O.M…dated 3rd July, 2026, and with the approval of the competent authority, the appointment of Shri Siddharth Yadav as Assistant Private Secretary to the Hon'ble Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change is terminated with immediate effect. Shri Siddharth Yadav is relieved of his duties immediately.' The order was marked to the Prime Minister's Office, Cabinet Secretariat, Department of Personnel and Training, and senior ministry officials.

The Congress party has questioned the rationale behind the simultaneous removal of multiple staff members from the minister's office, calling it an unusual move. No official explanation has been provided by the ministry regarding the reasons for these personnel changes.