Who is KK? The intriguing initials are bound to be familiar to Gujarat watchers …straight out of a 70s Loin Ajit film. Far from it. Kuniyil Kailashnathan has served as Principal Chief Secretary to three Gujarat CMs –heading that list is Narendra Modi who spotted this talent. KK could translate every strategy into actionable plans, becoming a by word in bureaucracy. Strange why there is no research that most powerful bureaucrats are by far Southies? A Keralite by birth, he grew up in Ooty, graduated from the Madras University and worked as a Professor before cracking the IAS in 1979, zooming up in the power ladder. Now aged 71, he enjoyed a 12 years extension in Gujarat before opting out …and to be appointed as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s term gets over and he has met with both the PM Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah seeking an extension. Governor Ravi, a former Intel chief has made history as a major irritant to DMK. The buzz is that KK is an interim red herring to lull all concerned; will be moved eventually into the Chennai Raj Bhavan closer to 2026 Assembly elections? KK is fluent in Tamil and may take this talent to a higher level as a foxy bureaucrat. DMK in full prep mode for 2026 cannot let its guard down.