Satya Pal Malik replaces NN Vohra as new Jammu and Kashmir Governor

Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday replaced NN Vohra as the new Governor of Jammu and Kashmir amid reports of the latter’s differences with Narendra Modi-led central government over Article 35A and formation of new government in the state.

According to a communique from the President’s office, while Malik, who was the Governor of Bihar until now, has been moved to Jammu and Kashmir, former BJP leader Lalji Tandon has been appointed as the new Bihar Governor.

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The 72-year-old Malik, a former BJP vice president will be the first politician to be appointed as the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir after Karan Singh, whose term had ended in 1967. Since then, only retired civil servants, diplomats, police officers and Army generals have been holding the post.

The appointment of Malik is also seen as the BJP's new strategy in Kashmir amid the reports of several disgruntled PDP leaders willing to join hands with the saffron party to form a government in the state.

Besides, Satyadev Narayan Arya has replaced Kaptan Singh Solanki as the Governor of Haryana. Solanki will now be the Governor of Tripura. Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy has been transferred to Meghalaya and Ganga Prasad, the Governor of Meghalaya, has been moved to Sikkim.

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"The above appointments will take effect from the dates the incumbents assume charge of their respective offices," the President's office said in the communique.