PANAJI
The President of India has appointed veteran politician Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as the new Governor of Goa. He will be succeeding P S Sreedharan Pillai, who had taken the charge in July 2021.
A senior leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and a prominent political figure from Andhra Pradesh, Raju is best known for serving as the Union Minister for Civil Aviation in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first cabinet from 2014 to 2018.
His appointment as Goa Governor will take effect from the date he assumes charge of office.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the appointment of new Governor. “On behalf of the people of Goa, I warmly welcome Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, as the Governor of our beautiful State,” he wrote on X handle.
“A seasoned statesman with vast administrative and parliamentary experience, his guidance will be invaluable as we continue our journey towards Viksit Goa 2037,” he said.
“We look forward to working closely with Governor Raju to further the development and welfare of every Goan,” he added.
Raju is well known for his resignation from the Modi cabinet over a dispute regarding Andhra Pradesh’s special status.
As Civil Aviation Minister, Raju championed the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, initiated numerous airport projects (including Rajamahendravaram and Kadapa), and established a no-fly list for disruptive passengers.
Raju has held several important portfolios in the Andhra Pradesh state government, including finance, planning, and revenue.
Meanwhile, Pillai, during his during his stint as Governor had launched several initiatives including financial assistance to cancer patients, assistance to old age homes, welfare societies, among many others.
He had also launched a state-wide Khushal Kalyan Yatra, under which he paid visits to various religious places.
