Lucknow: Former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Dr Rakesh Verma, a 2013-batch officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, has entered active politics after taking Voluntary Retirement from Service (VRS). Verma formally joined the Indian National Congress on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee headquarters in Lucknow.
He joined the party in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Rai, expressing faith in the party’s policies and constitutional values. Actress Firdous Bano, also known as Zara Khan, joined the Congress on the same occasion.
The new members were formally inducted into the party by Nitin Sharma, the state-level in-charge for new joinings.
Verma’s entry into politics comes after a career in public administration, followed by his involvement in literature, social work, leadership training and public policy.
Rakesh Verma Says Politicians and Officials Must Fulfil Their Responsibilities
Speaking after joining the Congress, Verma said that politicians and government officials have clearly defined responsibilities and should focus on performing their respective duties effectively.
He also emphasised the importance of education, saying that greater efforts to educate people are essential for the country’s progress.
Verma expressed concern over what he described as the increasing involvement of officials in activities beyond their designated responsibilities. He also said that he believes governance must remain firmly rooted in democracy and the Constitution.
According to Verma, he chose to join the Congress because he considers the party committed to constitutional values.
“I have come here to work. Good work needs to be done; both politicians and officials must fulfil their respective responsibilities.”
Explaining his decision to enter politics, Verma said his interaction with Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi inspired him. He also referred to the political struggles of Ajay Rai as one of the factors behind his decision.
“I was inspired after meeting Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. I am joining the Congress party because I am impressed by the struggles of state president Ajay Rai, and because the Congress is a truly good party today.”
Ajay Rai Welcomes Former IAS Officer Into Congress
Ajay Rai welcomed the new members by placing Tricolour scarves around their shoulders.
While welcoming Verma, Rai highlighted his work as a social activist and his association with children with disabilities. Rai said Verma is currently caring for 85 children with disabilities and praised his contribution to social work.
Rai said the induction of Verma and Firdous Bano would strengthen the Congress organisation and added that both had expressed their willingness to work for the party.
Several people from Lucknow also joined the Congress during the programme under the leadership of Narendra Gautam, a former Congress Lok Sabha candidate from Mohanlalganj.
Who Is Dr Rakesh Verma?
Dr Rakesh Verma is a former 2013-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre. After taking voluntary retirement from government service, he became involved in literature, social activism and other areas of public engagement before making his formal entry into electoral politics.
His professional interests have extended beyond conventional administration. He has been associated with public policy, leadership development, training, writing, entrepreneurship and social inclusion.
Verma is also known for writing poetry and Urdu ghazals under the pen name Rakesh ‘Rahi’.
Educational Background
Verma has an academic background spanning several disciplines.
He is an alumnus of the University of Lucknow, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Anthropology and a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).
He also holds a Ph.D. Available profiles have described his area of specialisation in different terms, including sociology and urban governance.
His academic experience also includes an international qualification. He completed a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
His education in science, social sciences, management and public policy has contributed to his profile as an administrator, trainer and public-policy professional.
IAS Career in Uttar Pradesh and the Central Government
During his administrative career, Verma served in various capacities in the Uttar Pradesh government as well as the Central Government.
His professional experience included administration, leadership development and training. He has also been associated with leadership training and has served as a trainer and guest faculty member at government training institutions.
His work in the field of training and leadership has been recognised with the National Award for Excellence in Training, according to available profiles.
Following his voluntary retirement, Verma devoted more time to writing, social work and other interests outside government service.
Why Did Rakesh Verma Take VRS?
Verma’s decision to take voluntary retirement preceded his transition into literature, social activism and, eventually, politics.
After leaving government service, he became increasingly involved in writing and social work. His literary identity developed alongside his public-service background, with poetry and Urdu ghazals published under the pen name Rakesh ‘Rahi’.
His journey from administration to literature and social activism has now culminated in his formal entry into electoral politics through the Congress.
A Former Bureaucrat With a Literary Side
Verma has written books across different genres.
His published works include the novels “Just Don’t Do It” and “Just a Housewife,” published by Rupa Publications.
He also authored “Startup Guide,” a Hindi-language book aimed at helping Hindi-medium entrepreneurs understand and navigate challenges related to language in the startup and business ecosystem.
His literary work has also included an accessibility-focused dimension. One of his books was released in Braille and audiobook formats by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on World Disability Day, highlighting his interest in accessibility and disability inclusion.
Social Work and Association With Children With Disabilities
Verma has also been associated with social activism and work related to disability inclusion.
Ajay Rai specifically highlighted this aspect of his work while welcoming him into the Congress. According to Rai, Verma is currently involved in the care and support of 85 children with disabilities.
His social work has also intersected with his literary efforts, particularly through initiatives aimed at making written material accessible in Braille and audio formats.
From IAS Officer to Congress Leader
Verma’s political entry marks a transition from public administration to active party politics.
After serving as a civil servant, taking voluntary retirement and pursuing interests in writing and social work, he has now chosen to enter electoral politics through the Congress.
At the joining ceremony in Lucknow, Verma said his decision was guided by his belief in constitutional governance and his desire to work in public life.
He cited his interaction with Rahul Gandhi as a source of inspiration and praised Ajay Rai’s political journey. His remarks suggest that he intends to draw upon his administrative experience while working within the Congress organisation.
Political Entry Ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections
Verma’s induction into the Congress comes ahead of the next Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, giving his political entry added significance.
His transition from the civil services to electoral politics is also part of a broader pattern in Indian public life, where former bureaucrats have entered politics after leaving government service.
For Verma, however, the transition follows a varied post-IAS journey involving literature, public policy, leadership training and social activism.
With his formal induction into the Congress on September 9, 2026, the former 2013-batch IAS officer has begun a new phase of his public career—this time within the political system rather than the administrative machinery.
Rakesh Verma: At a Glance
- Former Service: Indian Administrative Service (IAS)
- Batch: 2013
- Cadre: Uttar Pradesh
- Service Status: Voluntary Retirement from Service (VRS)
- Political Party: Indian National Congress
- Joined Congress: September 9, 2026
- Pen Name: Rakesh ‘Rahi’
- Education: B.Sc., M.A. in Anthropology, MBA, Ph.D., Master’s in Public Policy
- International Education: Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore
- Professional Areas: Administration, leadership training, public policy, writing and social activism
- Books: Just Don’t Do It, Just a Housewife, Startup Guide
- Social Work: Associated with the care and support of children with disabilities, according to Ajay Rai
