Veteran Bhartiya Janata Party leader Om Prakash Kohli, who has been appointed as the next Governor of Gujarat, said on Tuesday that the role of the person occupying the post is constitutionally well-defined to ensure smooth relations between the Centre and the state.
Speaking to ANI a day after he had been formerly appointed as Governor of Gujarat by President Pranab Mukherjee, Kohli described himself as a loyal worker of the BJP, and a person who did not possess the arrogance of a leader.
He said that the BJP had given him a new responsibility, and he would use this opportunity to understand Gujarat better.
“I have visited Gujarat earlier during different elections and that is how I know the place. Now, I will get more time to know Gujarat,” he added.
Elaborating on what the role of a governor should be, he said, “The role of governor is constitutional and defined. His job is to see that governance is on track. He is the link between the center and the state. Welfare of people has to be undertaken by the elected government and not the governor. But still better understanding between the elected government of the state and the governor is important. It is beneficial for the state government.”
He added, “I come from the BJP, which can be the reason for a better understanding with the state government, which is also of the BJP. The party has taken the decision to send me, and I will give the impression to the workers that they are valued in the party.”
President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday appointed new governors for Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat and Nagaland. “Ram Naik has been appointed as governor of Uttar Pradesh, Balramji Dass Tandon as governor of Chhattisgarh, Keshari Nath Tripathi as governor of West Bengal and Om Prakash Kohli has been appointed as governor of Gujarat,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.
“The above appointments will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume charge of their respective offices,” the release added
