Thiruvananthapuram: Om Prakash Mathur was sworn in as the new Governor of Kerala at an official ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen administered the oath of office to Mathur, who previously served as the Governor of Sikkim. He assumed office as the 29th Governor of Kerala.
Mathur’s appointment follows the transfer of former Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to Tamil Nadu as its new Governor. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by several prominent political leaders, senior government officials, and representatives of the state administration.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Legislative Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, cabinet ministers, elected representatives, and senior officials were among those present at the ceremony. However, Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan did not attend the event.
Om Prakash Mathur was born in Bedal village in the Bali tehsil of Pali district, Rajasthan. He completed his graduation from the University of Rajasthan before entering public life as a *pracharak* (full-time worker) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Mathur gradually established himself as a prominent political figure through his involvement in organizational activities. He subsequently became an influential leader within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), holding several important responsibilities at the state and national levels.
During his political career, Mathur served as the BJP’s general secretary in charge of Gujarat and played a significant role in strengthening the party’s organizational structure. He also represented Rajasthan in the Rajya Sabha, gaining considerable experience in parliamentary affairs and national politics.
His extensive background in political organization, administration, and parliamentary activities has contributed to his reputation as an experienced leader within the BJP.
Before assuming office in Kerala, Mathur served as the Governor of Sikkim, where he gained experience in fulfilling constitutional and administrative responsibilities. His appointment to Kerala marks another important chapter in his long public career.
As the constitutional head of Kerala, Mathur will be responsible for performing several important functions, including matters relating to the state legislature, granting assent to bills passed by the Assembly, and exercising constitutional powers in accordance with established procedures.
The Governor also holds significant responsibilities concerning the state’s universities in his capacity as Chancellor, wherever provided under the applicable laws.
The relationship between the Governor and the elected state government, particularly concerning legislative procedures, administrative matters, and constitutional responsibilities, will remain an important aspect of his tenure.
With Om Prakash Mathur formally assuming office, Kerala enters a new phase in the leadership of its constitutional establishment. His experience in politics, parliamentary affairs, and gubernatorial administration is expected to play an important role as he begins his new responsibilities in the state.
Note: This is an English translation of the expanded Malayalam report. The names, official positions, and appointment details have not been independently verified.
