According to sources in the Prasar Bharati, which oversees the functioning of Doordarshan and All India Radio, the issue of DG's ouster, reported in a section of the media today, came as a surprise to some board members.

The reason for Quraishi's departure, if it actually materializes, is being cited as political. But information and broadcasting minister Ravi Shankar Prasad today refused to comment on the issue.

Vinod Rai, who is being tipped to be Quraishi's successor, is a 1972 batch Indian Administrative Officer of Kerala cadre, but hails from the city of Gorakhpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Rai has also been empanelled for a promotion to the additional secretary's post.

If Quraishi departs, over 12 months ahead of the scheduled end of his tenure, Prasar Bharati would have to hunt for a DG for Doordarshan from within the organization or amongst government officials who, if selected, will be on deputation.

Meanwhile, the Prasar Bharati board today discussed other matters , including those relating to a housing complex for the Corporation's employees and the proposed news channel.