GUWAHATI: The Centre has courted a controversy by appointing Kerala BJP chief PS Sreedharan Pillai as Mizoram governor. In the Christian-majority state, an anti-graft group-turned-political party has demanded the appointment of a “pro-Christian” or “secular governor” and not someone with a background in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
“This (Pillai’s appointment) clearly shows the central government’s negligence when it comes to us. The Narendra Modi government has made our state the dumping ground for Kerala BJP leaders. We need a pro-Christian or secular governor here and not people with an RSS background,” said Vanlalruata, president of People’s Representation for Identity and Status of Mizoram (PRISM).
“We are Christians and we have constitutional safeguards. Giving us a secular or pro-Christian governor is mandatory for the Union government,” he said.
The Congress accused the BJP of trying to make an entry into the state through the backdoor using governors.
Pillai is the second Kerala BJP president to be appointed Mizoram governor. His predecessor Kummanam Rajasekharan, also a former Kerala BJP chief, resigned in March to contest Lok Sabha elections.
Subsequently, Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi was holding additional charge of the state.
The saga began in July 2014 when Vakkom B Purushothaman resigned on being transferred to Nagaland.
Subsequently, Kamla Beniwal was appointed but she was sacked in August that year. The state has had eight governors in five years, including three who held an additional charge, but none could complete their term.
2nd Kerala BJP chief to hold post
Pillai is the second Kerala BJP president to be appointed Mizoram governor. His predecessor Kummanam Rajasekharan, also a former Kerala BJP chief, resigned in March to contest the LS polls.
Assam Governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi was holding additional charge of the state.