In a significant administrative reshuffle, Acharya Devvrat, the Governor of Gujarat, has been assigned the additional charge of Maharashtra. This development follows the election of C. P. Radhakrishnan as Vice-President of India, which led to the gubernatorial post in Maharashtra falling vacant.
The President of India, acting under constitutional provisions, appointed Devvrat to temporarily oversee the duties of Maharashtra’s Governor, alongside his existing responsibilities in Gujarat. This move ensures the continuity of constitutional and executive functions in the state until a new, full-time Governor is formally appointed.
Why the Change Was Needed
- The Vice-Presidential election held on September 9, 2025, resulted in the victory of C. P. Radhakrishnan, who was serving as Maharashtra’s Governor at the time. Upon his elevation to the second-highest constitutional office in India, he demitted office, creating a temporary vacancy in Maharashtra’s Raj Bhavan.
- To prevent any constitutional vacuum, the President promptly entrusted Acharya Devvrat with the additional responsibility. Such interim arrangements are common in India and are well-supported by constitutional precedent.
Acharya Devvrat: A Profile
- Born in 1959, Acharya Devvrat has been serving as the Governor of Gujarat since July 22, 2019. Before this, he was the Governor of Himachal Pradesh from 2015 to 2019. Known for his strong advocacy of natural farming, environmental conservation, and Gandhian principles, Devvrat has been a notable figure in promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- He has been actively involved in various social campaigns like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, de-addiction, cow protection, and tree plantation drives, during his earlier gubernatorial roles. His administrative experience across states makes him a suitable choice for managing dual responsibilities.
Constitutional Procedure and Its Importance
- According to Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, each state must have a Governor. However, the same person can be appointed as Governor for two or more states, either permanently or as a temporary measure. The President of India, using this constitutional provision, can issue an order assigning the duties of a vacant gubernatorial office to an existing Governor.
- In this case, Devvrat’s appointment as Maharashtra’s acting Governor serves this exact purpose. It allows the state’s legislative, executive, and ceremonial affairs to function without disruption.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
- Handling two major states simultaneously — Gujarat and Maharashtra — poses logistical and administrative challenges. While most routine duties can be managed through the respective Raj Bhavan offices and staff, certain decisions requiring physical presence, legislative assent, or ceremonial roles may test the limits of coordination and efficiency.
- At the same time, this arrangement provides an opportunity to showcase interstate administrative alignment, particularly in areas where Gujarat and Maharashtra can benefit from shared developmental goals, especially in agriculture, water conservation, and rural welfare — all areas close to Devvrat’s focus.
Important Takeaways
- Acharya Devvrat: Governor of Gujarat and got additional charge of State of Maharastra
- Articles Related to Governor
- Articles 153 to 167 – Found in Part VI of the Indian Constitution
- Cover the structure and functions of the State Executive
- Article 153
- There shall be a Governor for each state
- Allows same person to be Governor of two or more states