A year on, still no full-time Governor
Ch. Vidyasagar Rao
Rao often flies down for key occasions
Tamil Nadu, which has witnessed a political churn since the hospitalisation of Jayalalithaa in September last year, has been without a full-time Governor for almost a year now. Acting Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao continues to shuttle between the Raj Bhavans in Chennai and Mumbai to attend to his duties in both the States.
The last time the State had an acting Governor was 16 years ago after the resignation of the then Governor Justice M. Fathima Beevi in July 2001. The Centre had chosen to “recall” Ms. Fathima Beevi.
Mr. Rao is the longest serving acting Governor of Tamil Nadu, who would be completing a year in Raj Bhavan in Chennai next week.
The Governor had to fly down to Chennai every time a political situation emerged in connection with the hospitalisation and eventual death of Jayalalithaa in December last year. He administered the oath of office to two Chief Ministers.
Also, it was only because the Governor was away in Mumbai that then Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam hoisted the national flag during the 2017 Republic Day celebrations, a clear break from the tradition.
Mr. Rao, who stayed put in Mumbai when Sasikala was elected leader of the AIADMK Legislature Party, arrived in Chennai in time for Monday’s cabinet expansion.
When The Hindu sought a comment, a former Governor of an Indian State, who had also served as an acting Governor, said, “There is nothing unusual about having acting Governors. But, yes, it does create some problems. During the Independence Day and the Republic Day, the Governor’s presence is expected in both the State capitals. In case of extraordinary situations, it does create problems for the Governor.”
Senior DMK leader and Deputy Floor Leader in the Assembly Duraimurugan said that the party has felt the absence of the Governor many times when they wanted to meet him.
“We have to wait for the Governor to come and then we have to meet him. The Chief Minister should urge the Prime Minister for a full-time Governor. You can see what is happening now in the State,” Mr. Duraimurugan said.
DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said that the ruling BJP in the Centre was still looking for a leader who understands Tamil Nadu well and would protect the party’s interest in the State.
‘Situation normal’
However, Union Minister of State and senior BJP leader Pon. Radhakrishnan disagrees and says there is nothing extraordinary in the present situation.
“There is no difference between a full-time Governor and otherwise. What matters is whether the Governor is acting when the situation requires. We know the political situation prevailing in Tamil Nadu and I believe our Governor [Mr. Rao] has acted whenever his actions were required.”
There is no difference between a full-time Governor and otherwise. What matters is whether the Governor is acting when the situation requires
Pon. Radhakrishnan
Union Minister of State
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