Karnataka Governor H.S. Rao assumed additional charge as the Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry following the completion of Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan’s term. Dr. Soundararajan resigned as Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry to contest the Lok Sabha elections from Chennai South constituency.
Rao’s appointment was announced in a Raj Bhavan communiqué, detailing his responsibilities for both Telangana and Puducherry in addition to his duties as Governor of Karnataka. He will discharge the functions of Governor of Telangana and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry until regular appointments are made.
The Telangana government issued a separate order formally entrusting Rao with the additional charge. Chief Secretary Shanti Kumari formally communicated this decision. Similarly, Puducherry’s Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar also issued a notification confirming Rao’s additional charge as Lieutenant Governor.
Dr. Soundararajan served as Governor of Telangana from September 2019 and as Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry from July 2021. Her resignation was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, paving the way for Rao to take on the additional responsibilities.
Rao was appointed as the Governor of Karnataka in September 2023. He previously served as the Governor of Tamil Nadu and Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry before being transferred to Karnataka. This marks his return to Puducherry in a temporary capacity.
The move ensures continuity in the gubernatorial positions of both Telangana and Puducherry during the election period and until permanent replacements are appointed. The Union government will likely initiate the process of appointing new Governors and Lieutenant Governors after the Lok Sabha elections. Rao’s experience in both roles is expected to facilitate a smooth transition during this interim period.
