Varma, a former chief of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and a former spokesperson of the external affairs ministry, is joining the JD-U, said sources close to him. He has had a meeting with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has welcomed his decision, the sources said. 

Varma, a 1976 batch IFS officer, has taken voluntary retirement and demits office Dec 31, 2012.

"I believe that clean politics and good governance are the need of the hour. And if I can contribute in some measure to it, it will help," Varma told IANS when asked abut his decision to join politics.

Varma has also carved a niche for himself as an author of several well-acclaimed books, including "Ghalib" and "The Great Indian Middle Class".

His new book, entitled "Chanakya's New Manifesto: To Resolve The Crisis Within India," will be published in January, 2013 and is expected to encapsulate his vision of people and development-oriented politics.

Varma's resignation sets in process a minor shuffle which has been long overdue, with lobbying intensifying for key diplomatic posts.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid is expected to decide on the new envoy to Bhutan amid China's increasing foray into the idyllic Himalayan state, better known for measuring national wealth in terms of gross national happiness. 

Khurshid will also have to decide on a slew of key diplomatic positions, including the envoys to Permanent Mission of India to UN in New York, France and Myanmar as the incumbents are set to retire early next year.