Shumsher K Sheriff is likely to be appointed as the secretary general of Rajya Sabha after Hamid Ansari gets his second term as chairman of Rajya Sabha in mid August. Sheriff, at present, is the secretary to chairman Rajya Sabha. An IAS officer of 1977 batch, Sheriff has served R Venkataraman, K R Narayanan in the Rashtrapathi Bhavan. The experience he gained this stint, would be an added advantage for his elevation.

During the recent meeting between the president and the prime minister, certain important constitutional appointments were discussed, including that of the election commisssioner.

Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday signed the warrant of appointment of Nazim Zaidi. Shumsher Sheriff was also running for this position.

Hamid Ansari has bright prospects and is expected to get 400 to 450 votes from almost all political parties cutting across the party lines.

An insider who is privy to the poll campaign expects the winning margin will be massive around 150 to 200 votes.

Many in the bureaucratic circles begun speculation about the new look for Hamid Ansari office in his second term as vice-president of India

On August 11, the new VP will be sworn in by president Pranab Mukherjee and subsequent changes are expected in the secretariat of the VP from September.

Ansari may select a secretary and a joint secretary from Foreign Services to assist him in international affairs and to coordinate the national and international media.

P Harish has assumed office as Consulate General of India in Houston. He was officer on special duty to the VP. Harish used to coordinate with foreign offices and media relations of the VP.