New Delhi, Oct 13
President Droupadi Murmu has appointed new Governors in four States and transferred two others as part of a reshuffle of gubernatorial appointments announced on Monday.
The changes include the appointment of Rajendra Arlekar as Governor of Tamil Nadu and former Uttar Pradesh minister OP Mathur as Governor of Kerala, officially referred to as Keralam in the announcement. The appointments form part of a wider rearrangement of constitutional offices across six States.
Arlekar had been discharging the functions of the Tamil Nadu Governor following the end of RN Ravi’s tenure. His appointment formalises his position as the constitutional head of the State.
The Governor’s office plays a key role in the functioning of the State’s constitutional framework. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister in accordance with constitutional requirements, summons and prorogues the legislature, and acts on the advice of the elected government in matters where the Constitution so provides. The office also has specific responsibilities in relation to Bills passed by the legislature.
The appointment comes at a time when Tamil Nadu’s political landscape has undergone changes following the 2026 Assembly election. The relationship between the Governor and the elected government is likely to remain an important aspect of the State’s administration, particularly in matters involving legislation and constitutional procedure.
The reshuffle also brings changes to gubernatorial appointments in other States, with Mathur taking over as Governor of Kerala. The President’s announcement did not, by itself, indicate any change in the constitutional powers or responsibilities attached to the office.
Governors are appointed by the President under Article 155 of the Constitution and hold office during the President’s pleasure under Article 156. Although they are appointed by the Union executive, their functions are governed by constitutional provisions and conventions.
The latest appointments reflect the Centre’s decision to reorganise gubernatorial postings across several States. The immediate administrative task for the newly appointed Governors will be to assume office and discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
The appointments are expected to be followed by formal assumption-of-office procedures in the respective States.