It is high time that the nation reflects on and debates the manner in which governors are appointed and whether we need ornamental puppet governors who needlessly burden the taxpayer. The role of the governor is very important and essential for the healthy functioning of democracy. However, but sadly this post has been reduced to becoming a retirement package for politicians. The role of the governor if exercised wisely and fairly for the benefit of the state and its people is very vital.
Some governors of the past had this to say. Sarojini Naidu, the one-time Governor of UP had said that she considered herself “a bird in a golden cage”. KM Munshi, Governor of Uttar Pradesh had a tiff with his chief minister and had complained to Pandit Nehru for redressal. When his plea was turned down, he described his job thus: “to run a hotel and entertain guests”. Governors should be appointed on merit as the Raj Bhavans cannot end up being shelter homes to rehabilitate the deadwood of the ruling political party.
