Om Prakash Mathur assumes office as 29th Governor of Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Om Prakash Mathur was sworn in as the 29th Governor of Kerala on Friday at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen administered the oath of office to Mathur. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, ministers and elected representatives attended the ceremony.

Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan was absent from the event.

Mathur, who was earlier Governor of Sikkim, was appointed to Kerala following the transfer of Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to Tamil Nadu.

After the ceremony, Chief Minister Satheesan wrote on X that it was an honour to attend the swearing-in. He congratulated Mathur on behalf of the government and people of Kerala and wished him a tenure marked by distinguished service and continued progress for the state.

Mathur arrived in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday and was received with official honours at the technical area of the airport. Chief Minister Satheesan led the reception, which was also attended by ministers, the Chief Secretary and other officials.

Speaking after his arrival, Mathur expressed happiness at getting the opportunity to serve in Kerala. He described the state as God’s Own Country and said he was delighted to begin a new journey there.

As Governor, Mathur will serve as the constitutional head of the state. His responsibilities include summoning and proroguing the Assembly and giving assent to bills in accordance with the Constitution.

While the elected government headed by the Chief Minister exercises executive authority, the Governor plays a key role in constitutional and legislative matters. Mathur’s tenure begins at a time when Kerala has a new government following the recent Assembly elections.

(Inputs from IANS)