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The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has appointed new governors to nine states, including Manipur, which has been grappling with ethnic violence for over a year. This decision has brought several BJP and RSS veterans into gubernatorial roles, showcasing a strategic shift in the political landscape. The appointments highlight the prominence of these organizations in the current political dispensation, potentially influencing the functioning of the respective states.
Among the notable appointments is Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who was previously the governor of Sikkim, now appointed as the governor of Assam. He has also been given additional charge of Manipur, replacing Anusuiya Uikey who held the position since February 2023. This move comes at a crucial juncture for Manipur, which requires a firm hand to address the ongoing ethnic clashes and restore peace and normalcy. The appointment of Acharya, a veteran with experience in handling sensitive situations, reflects the government's focus on stability and efficient governance in the state.
Another prominent appointment is Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, an RSS veteran and former Maharashtra assembly speaker, who has been appointed as the governor of Rajasthan. His appointment has sparked discussions regarding the potential influence of the RSS in the state's administration, especially considering the ongoing political tensions between the BJP-led state government and the Congress-led opposition. Bagde's background as a seasoned politician and his close association with the RSS could potentially impact the political landscape of Rajasthan.
The appointments of former Union minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar as the governor of Jharkhand, former Tripura deputy CM Jishnu Dev Varma as the governor of Telangana, and former Lok Sabha MP from Assam Ramen Deka as the governor of Chhattisgarh further underscore the government's preference for individuals with established political careers. These appointments can be seen as a strategic move to strengthen the party's presence in these states, given the upcoming general elections.
While the appointments have been welcomed by the BJP and its supporters, opposition parties have criticized the move, alleging that it undermines the democratic process and seeks to consolidate the BJP's dominance across states. The opposition also points out the potential for conflict of interest, given the close association of the appointees with the ruling party. The appointment of former IAS officer K Kailashnathan as the lieutenant governor of Puducherry, while not directly linked to the BJP, also raises questions about the government's strategy in appointing individuals with specific political affiliations to crucial positions.
The appointments of new governors serve as a significant event in the Indian political scene. The emphasis on individuals with a strong BJP or RSS background highlights the increasing influence of these organizations in the administration of states. These appointments are likely to have a significant impact on the political landscape of the respective states, influencing policy decisions and shaping the future trajectory of the state governments.