Centre moves Governor Anshuman Singh to Rajasthan

In a swift but expected development, Gujarat Governor Anshuman Singh was moved to Rajasthan on Wednesday. It’s a shot in the arm for Bhairon Singh Shekhawat who had been lobbying hard for the transfer. But the timing has raised several eyebrows in political circles though it has surprised none in the state Government. At the time when attacks against Christians have gripped the state, moving the Governor has prompted Opposition parties in the state to doubt the Centre’s intentions.

State Congress Chief CD Patel said Singh had been shunted out because of the Keshubhai Patel Government’s "unhappiness" with him on important issues. At another level, Singh’s appointment as Rajasthan Governor is being seen as a victory for Shekhawat and a setback for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot. In fact, Shekhawat had already met Union Home Minister L K Advani several times.

No decision has been taken on Singh’s successor in Gujarat. A Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said that Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court K G Balakrishnan would discharge the function of Governor. The Governor’s slot in Rajasthan had fallen vacant in May following the death of Darbara Singh. The appointments would take effect from the day the two (Singh and Baiakrishnan) assume charge. With Singh being moved out, the focus is now on West Bengal where Governor A R Kidwai’s tenure ended a while ago. There are several contenders for the post, including ex-Rajya Sabha MP Viren Shah. But while both the BJP and the state CPM are amenable to him, Mamata Banerjee is not keen. Among the names being mentioned as likely Gujarat Governor are those of former Delhi chief ministers Sahib Singh Verma and Sushma Swaraj and Bihar Governor and RSS member SS Bhandari.

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