NEW DELHI: In a significant administrative overhaul announced by Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday, President Droupadi Murmu effected key changes in gubernatorial postings across multiple states. Jishnu Dev Varma, who has been serving as Governor of Telangana since July 2024, has been transferred to Maharashtra, filling a vacancy that persisted since September last year when CP Radhakrishnan assumed the Vice-Presidency.

Varma, a former Tripura BJP leader and politician, took oath as Telangana Governor on July 31, 2024, succeeding Radhakrishnan (who held additional charge). His tenure in Hyderabad focused on ceremonial duties amid the Congress-led state government's tenure. The move to Maharashtra, a key BJP stronghold under Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, comes as the state seeks a full-time Raj Bhavan head after months of additional charge by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat.

Simultaneously, Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi has been transferred to West Bengal, replacing CV Ananda Bose, who resigned abruptly earlier this week. Ravi, a retired IPS officer appointed to Tamil Nadu in September 2021, had a contentious four-year stint marked by repeated confrontations with the DMK government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin. Disputes included delays in assenting to bills (such as the NEET exemption legislation), controversies over Assembly addresses, and remarks referring to the state as "Tamilagam," which drew sharp criticism from the ruling party.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced Ravi's appointment on X, expressing surprise and concern over the timing, especially with assembly elections looming in the state. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been given additional charge of Tamil Nadu until a permanent successor is named. Reports indicate Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla may take over Tamil Nadu in the near future.

The reshuffle also includes other appointments: Shiv Pratap Shukla moves from Himachal Pradesh to Telangana, while new postings were made for Nagaland, Bihar, and Delhi Lt Governor roles (Taranjit Singh Sandhu to Delhi).

Political observers view these changes as strategic ahead of upcoming state polls, particularly in West Bengal, where Ravi's appointment could influence Centre-state dynamics under the TMC government. The transfers aim to address long-standing vacancies and align Raj Bhavans with central priorities.

Varma's shift to Maharashtra strengthens NDA coordination in the western state, while Ravi's Bengal posting may escalate tensions in the eastern frontier. The full list of changes, per the President's communique, underscores the Centre's active role in gubernatorial placements.