With the NDA government at the Centre reportedly nudging several Governors appointed by the UPA regime to resign, Tamil Nadu Governor K. Rosaiah, a veteran Congressman from Andhra Pradesh, has also come under the spotlight.
However, BJP sources told The Hindu that Mr. Rosaiah “may not be disturbed at the moment,” given an array of factors favouring him. The foremost among them is the good rapport Mr. Rosaiah has with the AIADMK government in the State.
A former Chief Minister of the united Andhra Pradesh, Mr. Rosaiah took over the post in August 2011, succeeding Surjit Singh Barnala. His tenure would extend till 2016, when the Assembly elections are due in the State.
According to a senior BJP leader, no indication has come to the Tamil Nadu unit about attempts at changing Mr. Rosaiah.
“About a week ago, there were reports that the party wanted to rehabilitate Jaswant Singh [now expelled from the BJP] by replacing Mr. Rosaiah with him in Tamil Nadu. But nothing has moved,” the leader said speaking on condition of anonymity.
Wrong signal
Given the State government’s equation with Mr. Rosaiah, a section of the BJP leaders feels that changing him could send a wrong signal to the AIADMK on the Centre’s intentions, especially when the AIADMK’s support may be crucial for the Narendra Modi government in the Rajya Sabha.
Even on June 6, Ms. Jayalalithaa called on Mr. Rosaiah and apprised him of the law and order situation in the State and the implementation of various schemes.
“There are also several leaders in the BJP who are not averse to his continuance,” the leader said. Also, given his non-controversial nature, building a case for his removal may be close to impossible.
“Unless he resigns on his own, it is difficult to see how the change could be brought about,” he said.
