Goa gets a royal governor: Why did BJP send Ashok Gajapathi Raju to Raj Bhavan? Rare NDA move sparks surprise

NEW DELHI: Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, a seasoned leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and former union civil aviation minister, has been appointed as the new governor of Goa by the Narendra Modi government.

Raju, 74, hails from the royal family of Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh. He served as civil aviation minister from May 2014 until his resignation in March 2018, following TDP’s exit from the NDA over the Centre’s refusal to grant special status to Andhra Pradesh.

Apart from his central government role, Raju has an extensive political background in Andhra Pradesh, having held key portfolios such as finance, excise, legislative affairs, and revenue between 1999 and 2004.

His appointment as Governor is notable since coalition allies typically seek ministerial roles, making this a significant shift.

Ashok Gajapathi Raju will succeed PS Sreedharan Pillai, who has served as Goa governor since July 2021.