Chennai: Banwarilal Purohit, 77, on Friday was sworn in as the 25th Governor of Tamil Nadu, taking over at a time when the state is witnessing political turbulence due to factions within the ruling AIADMK and demand by the Opposition for a floor test. Madras high court chief justice Indira Banerjee administered the oath of office to Purohit at a gala ceremony here at Raj Bhavan attended by VVIPS including Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami and leader of the Opposition M K Stalin. Purohit assured the people that his decisions would have no political consideration and that he would strive for the state's development.
In his first public comments after taking oath of office, Purohit assured the people that his decisions would have no political consideration. "Purely all the decisions will be on merit. I am going to support the government and the administration for the development of TN. I have good friends in Delhi and through the Central ministry will ensure that a lot of development and infrastructure comes to Tamil Nadu. I will try my level best for the development of the state", he said.
Taking oath in the name of God, Purohit said he would "faithfully execute the office of governor of Tamil Nadu and will to the best of ability preserve, protect and defend the Constitution and the law and that I will devote myself to the service and well being of the people of Tamil Nadu". Deputy chief minister O. Panneerselvam and his cabinet colleagues were among those present. Senior BJP leaders including union minister Pon Radhakrishnan were among those present. Earlier, chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan read out the warrant of appointment issued on September 29 by President Ram Nath Kovind, appointing Purohit as Governor of Tamil Nadu. The first full-time Governor to be appointed since the completion of term of K. Rosaiah in August 2016.
