K Rosaiah likely to continue as Governor for second term

Chennai: Going by certain indications, Governor Konijeti Rosaiah may have his second term at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai after his term expires at the end of this month. Sources revealed to Deccan Chronicle that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, had sought retention of Mr Rosaiah in the Raj Bhavan during her meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 14.

Mr Rosaiah, who enjoys a good rapport with Ms Jayalalithaa, is being seen as an “elder statesman beyond any political party” and has always maintained good relations with both the Union and State governments. BJP sources in New Delhi said the Union government should have no objection to Mr Rosaiah if the Chief Minister of the state, especially a potential ally like Ms Jayalalithaa, seeks his retention.

It may be recalled that Mr Rosaiah, a Congress veteran who held various positions in Andhra Pradesh including that of Chief Minister, was one of the very few Governors who were not asked to quit after the NDA Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took over in May 2014.

Meanwhile, reports in a section of the media suggested that the Karnataka Legislative Council Chairman, D.H. Shankaramurthy could possibly replace Mr Rosaiah as the Tamil Nadu Governor.

However, when contacted, Mr Shankaramurthy told Deccan Chronicle, “I don't know. These are all media speculation. One thing is true. Party chief Amit Shah asked me whether I am willing to shoulder a bigger responsibility and I have responded in positive. I don’t know anything more than that.”

Informed sources say Mr Shah's call to Mr Shankaramurthy could be an indication  that he might soon buy a ticket to Hyderabad to take over as Governor of the newly carved Telangana state. Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan is currently handling both states. With the Andhra Pradesh Government slowly moving its operations to Amaravathi, its dependence on Hyderabad is decreasing and hence the Union government might wish to have a separate Governor for the state ruled by TRS.

Political analysts said the BJP would be inviting a storm if they appoint a person from Karnataka to the Raj Bhavan here. “Given the animosity between the two states on water issues, the BJP would be committing a political blunder if it appoints a Kannadiga as TN Governor. The Governor might become a welcome target for protesters who could picket the Raj Bhavan whenever a water war breaks out between the two states,” analysts said.