Dattatraya takes charge as HP Guv
Shimla: Senior BJP leader from Telangana Bandaru Dattatraya, a man with strong RSS credentials, was sworn in as 27th Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at Durbar Hall of Raj Bhawan where Justice Dharam Chand Chaudhry, the senior-most judge of Himachal Pradesh High Court, administered the oath of office and secrecy to him at a simple but impressive function
The 72-year-old leader has served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for five terms and also national vice-president of the BJP. He had served as MOS under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and incumbent Narendra Modi in his earlier term.
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, former Chief Ministers – Prem Kumar Dhumal and Virbhadra Singh, besides cabinet ministers, state assembly Speaker Dr Rajeev Bindal were present.
The Governor was also given an impressive Guard of Honour on the occasion.
Chief Secretary Dr Shrikant Baldi read out the warrant of appointment. Secretary to the Governor Rakesh Kanwar obtained the signature of the Governor on the charge certificate.
Chief of Staff, ARTRAC Lt. General G.S. Sangha, Mayor Kusum Sadret, Director General of Police S.R. Mardi also attended the ceremony.
Dattatreya replaced Kalraj Mishra, who within a few weeks of his appointment was transferred to Rajasthan.
Interacting with the media persons, the Governor said his arrival to Raj Bhawan has established a link between South and North and he would like to contribute to state's growth, promoting its rich culture and customs.
"It's a land of deities and the state has huge tourism potential. The people of the state are honest, humble and hardworking and they live in toughest conditions in the mountains. I will try to reach out to the people in my humble way," he declared.
"I consider it my privilege to have a chance to work as a Governor in this Himalayan state close to nature," said the Governor.
He laid stress on protecting the state's environment and ecology with the active participation of the people.
He added that it was important to preserve nature by maintaining greenery, forests and rivers. He said that the literacy rate of Himachal was very high, probably second in the country after Kerala but he would like to add that education needs to be linked to employment.
Earlier in the day, former Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, who especially drove from Hamirpur, met Dattatreya at Raj Bhawan over breakfast. Both were members of the Parliament at one point of time.
"He is a leader with strong popularity in his area. His RSS credentials are unquestionable," said Dhumal.
