Kerala Governor Takes Extra Charge as Tamil Nadu Governor on Thursday

The Governor of Kerala has taken on the role of Governor for Tamil Nadu as well. This is a temporary change in leadership for the state.
By Newsroom | Politics, Government |

Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, currently serving as the Governor of Kerala, has officially assumed additional charge as the Governor of Tamil Nadu, following the transfer of R.N. Ravi to West Bengal. The swearing-in ceremony, held on Thursday, saw the presence of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, alongside other dignitaries including Union Minister L. Murugan, members of the Madras High Court, state ministers, senior officials, and Members of Parliament. This move is described as an interim arrangement, pending a more permanent appointment for the gubernatorial post in Tamil Nadu.

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A Shift in the State's Constitutional Head

The assumption of office by Arlekar marks a transition after the departure of the previous governor, R.N. Ravi, who concluded his four-year tenure in Tamil Nadu and has since been appointed to West Bengal. Arlekar took the oath, pledging to uphold the Constitution and the law while discharging his duties as the Governor of Tamil Nadu. The arrangement is to continue until further directives from the Union government.

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The ceremony, held at the "historic People's Palace in Guindy," was attended by various political figures, including former Telangana Governor and Tamil Nadu BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan, and Tamil Nadu BJP President Nainar Nagendran.

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Context of Gubernatorial Appointments and State-Centre Relations

This development occurs within a broader context of significant reshuffles affecting gubernatorial positions across several states and union territories. Notably, some of these changes involve states slated for assembly elections and are situated in opposition-ruled areas.

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The preceding tenure of R.N. Ravi in Tamil Nadu was marked by notable friction with the state government. Instances included his departure from the Assembly during customary addresses and disputes over the delay in assenting to bills passed by the legislature. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had previously voiced criticisms regarding these actions, characterizing them as indicative of the ruling BJP's stance towards Tamil Nadu. The state government had, at one point, pursued legal challenges against Governor Ravi's handling of legislative matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new acting Governor of Tamil Nadu?
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who is already the Governor of Kerala, has taken on the extra job of Governor for Tamil Nadu. He was sworn in on Thursday.
Q: Why is there a new acting Governor in Tamil Nadu?
The previous Governor, R.N. Ravi, has been moved to West Bengal. Mr. Arlekar will serve as Governor until the government appoints someone new.
Q: Who attended the swearing-in ceremony for the new acting Governor?
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Union Minister L. Murugan, and other important people like judges and state ministers were present at the ceremony.
Q: What was the relationship between the previous Governor and the Tamil Nadu government?
The previous Governor, R.N. Ravi, had some disagreements with the state government. There were arguments about bills and his actions in the assembly.
Q: Is this a permanent change for the Governor of Tamil Nadu?
No, this is a temporary arrangement. Mr. Arlekar is acting as Governor until the Union government decides on a permanent appointment.