Published: 3 March 2026Governance
President Murmu Announces Major Governor Reshuffle Across 9 States and Union Territories in March 2026
In March 2026, President Droupadi Murmu announced a significant gubernatorial reshuffle, appointing new Governors and Lieutenant Governors across nine states and Union Territories, including Delhi, Ladakh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, and Nagaland.
Key appointments include: Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the new Lieutenant Governor of Delhi (replacing Vinai Kumar Saxena); R. N. Ravi as Governor of West Bengal with effect from March 12, 2026 (succeeding C. V. Ananda Bose); and Kavinder Gupta as Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
Under Article 155 of the Constitution, Governors are appointed by the President on the advice of the Council of Ministers. Under Article 156, a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President and serves a five-year term. The Lieutenant Governor (LG) of a Union Territory is the direct representative of the President under Article 239. The reshuffle is constitutionally significant as it reshapes the interface between the Union and states, especially in politically sensitive states like West Bengal and Delhi. For RPSC aspirants, the role of Governors as constitutional heads, their discretionary powers, and the Governor–State Government relationship are important topics under Rajasthan's polity papers.
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Frequently asked questions
Under which constitutional article does the President appoint governors of states?
The President appoints governors of states under Article 155 of the Constitution of India. Governors hold office at the pleasure of the President as per Article 156.
Who was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi in the March 2026 reshuffle?
Taranjit Singh Sandhu was appointed as the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi in the March 2026 governor reshuffle announced by President Murmu.
What is the constitutional significance of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor compared to a regular state governor?
Delhi's Lieutenant Governor holds special constitutional significance as Delhi is a Union Territory with Legislature under Article 239AA, giving the LG greater executive powers compared to governors of full states, particularly in matters of police, public order, and land.
How many states and Union Territories were covered in President Murmu's March 2026 governor reshuffle?
President Murmu's March 2026 reshuffle covered 9 states and Union Territories, with key appointments including R.N. Ravi as Governor of West Bengal and Kavinder Gupta as Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
What constitutional role do governors play in relation to state legislatures?
Governors summon and prorogue the state legislature, give assent to bills passed by the state legislature, and can submit reports to the President recommending the imposition of President's Rule under Article 356 if constitutional governance has broken down in the state.
