According to a tweet by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Kailashnathan’s last day at work will be Sunday (June 30). Wishing him a “fit and healthy retirement”, Patel posted on X: “Since 2006, he served as the Principal Secretary in the CMO during the tenure [as CM] of Prime Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi… His administrative skills, keen sense of public issues and tactful working style were prominent features throughout his tenure.”

An official said that a small farewell was held in the CMO in which “only a few officials participated”. A senior official of the CMO said that Kailashnathan did not seek an extension this time.

A 1979-batch IAS officer of Gujarat cadre, Kailashnathan had retired from service in 2013 when he was posted with the CMO, and a new post was created for him, redesignating him as Chief Principal Secretary for a tenure of two years. Subsequently he was given extensions to hold the post for 11 years.

Among many sensitive responsibilities, Kailashnathan was also handling the Gandhi Ashram Memorial work, and the Precinct Development Project, which is being jointly implemented by the state and central governments.

In his last public appearance, Kailashnathan was seen at the prayer meeting for former secretary of Sabarmati Ashram Preservation and Memorial Trust (SAPMT) Amrut Modi at Sabarmati Ashram on Friday.

The retirement of Kailashnathan has given way to speculation among bureaucratic and political circles on the way forward for him.

A senior government functionary said: “It all depends on what ‘KK’ has decided for himself. He could be appointed as Governor or Lieutenant Governor. The government will certainly not like to miss the experience of a person like ‘KK’… all depends on what he wants to do.”