New Delhi: In a significant administrative overhaul, the Indian government has announced a major reshuffle of governors and lieutenant governors across several states and union territories, aiming to infuse fresh leadership into key positions.
This move comes amid efforts to strengthen governance and address regional dynamics.
Leading the changes, R N Ravi has been appointed as the new Governor of West Bengal, stepping in after President Droupadi Murmu accepted the resignation of incumbent CV Ananda Bose. Ravi, known for his tenure in Nagaland and Tamil Nadu, brings a wealth of experience in security and administration to the politically-charged state.
In Telangana, Shiv Pratap Shukla, formerly the Governor of Himachal Pradesh, takes charge, while Jishnu Dev Varma, previously at the helm in Telangana, moves to Maharashtra as its new Governor. Adding a military touch, retired Lieutenant General Syed Ata Hasnain, a decorated former Indian Army officer, has been named Governor of Bihar, marking a notable shift from uniformed service to gubernatorial duties.
Nagaland gets Nand Kishore Yadav as its new governor. Meanwhile, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar will hold additional charge of Tamil Nadu. Kavinder Gupta, ex-Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, heads to Himachal Pradesh.
On the union territory front, seasoned diplomat Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who served as India’s Ambassador to the US, assumes the role of Lieutenant Governor of Delhi. Vinai Kumar Saxena, the outgoing Delhi LG, shifts to Ladakh.
This reshuffle, effective immediately, is seen as a strategic step to enhance administrative efficiency in diverse regions, blending diplomatic, military, and political expertise.