NEW DELHI/KOLKATA: In a significant gubernatorial reshuffle, former ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu has been appointed the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, while Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has been transferred to serve as the Governor of West Bengal.
The changes were announced by Rashtrapati Bhavan on Thursday as part of a broader set of appointments and transfers involving Raj Bhavans across the country. The move also follows the resignation of C V Ananda Bose, whose tenure in West Bengal had been marked by repeated disagreements with the Mamata Banerjee led Trinamool Congress government.
Bose stepped down from his position without publicly stating a reason. His sudden decision surprised many, especially as Raj Bhavan’s official channels had earlier shared details of his scheduled engagements for the coming days.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to the development, expressing “shock and deep concern” over the decision. She alleged that the change was made without consultation and hinted at possible political pressure ahead of the upcoming state assembly elections.
According to Banerjee, Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed her about the leadership change, but she said the Centre did not follow the usual convention of discussing such appointments with the state government.
R N Ravi’s move to West Bengal is drawing attention as it comes at a politically sensitive time, with election dates for several states expected to be announced soon. During his tenure in Tamil Nadu, Ravi frequently clashed with the DMK-led government over administrative and constitutional issues.
Meanwhile, political reactions have begun to surface in West Bengal. State BJP president Samik Bhattacharya dismissed the criticism from the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing the party of raising questions about constitutional norms despite ongoing disputes over political freedoms in the state.
Sources within Raj Bhavan circles suggested that Bose’s resignation may have been influenced by health concerns and frustrations related to administrative functioning. However, no official explanation has been provided.
The reshuffle places new leadership in two politically significant positions Delhi’s Lieutenant Governor’s office and West Bengal’s Raj Bhavan at a time when national and state political dynamics are intensifying ahead of elections.