India, the world’s largest democracy, is divided into 28 states and 8 union territories. Each state is governed by a Governor, the constitutional head who plays a vital role in upholding the democratic framework and ensuring smooth governance. Understanding the current Governors of Indian states not only keeps citizens informed but also provides insights into the political structure and administration of the country.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the current Governors of Indian states in 2025, their appointments, tenure, and some interesting facts.
What is the Role of a Governor?
A Governor is the constitutional head of a state in India. Appointed by the President of India, the Governor acts as a link between the central government and the state government. Their responsibilities include:
- Upholding the Constitution of India within the state
- Appointing the Chief Minister and other ministers
- Giving assent to bills passed by the state legislature
- Ensuring the state government functions according to constitutional provisions
- Overseeing state administration during emergencies
In simple terms, while the Chief Minister handles day-to-day governance, the Governor ensures that constitutional norms are followed and provides guidance when required.
State-Wise List of Governors of India 2025
Here’s a complete list of current Governors of Indian states, along with their appointment details:
State | Governor | Appointment Date | Tenure / Notes |
Andhra Pradesh | S. Abdul Nazeer | 2023 | Former Supreme Court Judge |
Arunachal Pradesh | Brig. Dr. B.D. Mishra | 2017 | Retired Army Officer |
Assam | Prof. Jagdish Mukhi | 2017 | Served as Lieutenant Governor earlier |
Bihar | Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar | 2023 | Former Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly |
Chhattisgarh | Anusuiya Uikey | 2019 | First tribal woman Governor |
Goa | P.S. Sreedharan Pillai | 2021 | Lawyer & Politician |
Gujarat | Acharya Devvrat | 2019 | Former educationist & teacher |
Haryana | Bandaru Dattatreya | 2019 | Former Union Minister |
Himachal Pradesh | Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar | 2021 | Political & administrative experience |
Jharkhand | C.P. Radhakrishnan | 2023 | Former Union Minister |
Karnataka | Thawar Chand Gehlot | 2021 | Former Union Minister |
Kerala | Arif Mohammad Khan | 2019 | Known for progressive policies |
Madhya Pradesh | Mangubhai C. Patel | 2021 | Former state minister |
Maharashtra | Ramesh Bais | 2023 | Former Union Minister |
Manipur | Anusuiya Uikey | 2023 | Tribal woman leader |
Meghalaya | Phagu Chauhan | 2020 | Political experience in UP |
Mizoram | Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati | 2021 | Academic & political background |
Nagaland | La. Ganesan | 2021 | Experienced politician |
Odisha | Prof. Ganeshi Lal | 2018 | Longstanding political experience |
Punjab | Banwarilal Purohit | 2021 | Former Tamil Nadu Governor |
Rajasthan | Kalraj Mishra | 2019 | Political leader & social worker |
Sikkim | Lakshman Prasad Acharya | 2023 | Former MP & administrator |
Tamil Nadu | R.N. Ravi | 2021 | Former security official |
Telangana | Tamilisai Soundararajan | 2019 | First woman Governor of Telangana |
Tripura | Satyadev Narayan Arya | 2018 | Experienced political leader |
Uttar Pradesh | Anandiben Patel | 2019 | Former Chief Minister of Gujarat |
Uttarakhand | Gurmit Singh | 2021 | Retired Army Officer |
West Bengal | C.V. Ananda Bose | 2022 | Bureaucrat & administrator |
Union Territories with Lieutenant Governors:
- Delhi: Vinai Kumar Saxena (2022)
- Puducherry: Tamilisai Soundararajan (2021)
Interesting Facts About Indian Governors
- First Tribal Woman Governor: Anusuiya Uikey of Chhattisgarh became the first tribal woman to hold a gubernatorial position.
- Longest-Serving Governor: Acharya Devvrat (Gujarat) has been active in governance since 2015 in different states.
- Women Governors: Anandiben Patel (Uttar Pradesh) and Tamilisai Soundararajan (Telangana) highlight women’s growing representation in constitutional posts.
- Politically Experienced: Many Governors, like Ramesh Bais (Maharashtra) and Kalraj Mishra (Rajasthan), bring decades of political experience to the post.
- Diverse Backgrounds: Governors come from politics, judiciary, military, and academics, reflecting India’s diversity.
How Governors Impact State Governance
While Governors are largely ceremonial in normal circumstances, their influence becomes crucial in:
- Political Stability: Appointing the Chief Minister when no party has a clear majority
- Emergency Situations: Imposing President’s Rule if constitutional governance is under threat
- Legislation: Approving or withholding assent to bills passed by the state legislature
- Development Oversight: Ensuring central schemes are properly implemented
For instance, Anandiben Patel in Uttar Pradesh has actively guided administrative reforms, while Tamilisai Soundararajan in Telangana ensures effective communication between the state and central government.
Tips to Stay Updated About Your State’s Governor
- Official State Websites: Most states maintain a Governor’s portal with details of appointments and initiatives.
- Press Releases & News Portals: Daily newspapers and online news sources report any changes in gubernatorial appointments.
- Social Media Profiles: Some Governors maintain Twitter or other social profiles for public announcements.
- Election Commission Updates: Changes in governance during elections are officially recorded.
Why Knowing About Governors Matters
- Awareness of state Governors helps citizens:
- Understand the constitutional framework
- Track appointments and governance initiatives
- Stay informed about state and central coordination
- Engage in civic awareness and accountability
Although the Governor doesn’t run day-to-day governance, they play a crucial role in maintaining democracy and ensuring lawful administration.
Also Read:
In Conclusion:
The Governors of Indian states are the pillars of constitutional governance. From ceremonial duties to crucial decision-making during political instability, their role is indispensable. Staying informed about current Governors in 2025, their appointments, and backgrounds not only empowers citizens but also encourages participation in the democratic process.
Whether it’s Anandiben Patel of Uttar Pradesh, Tamilisai Soundararajan of Telangana, or Acharya Devvrat of Gujarat, understanding their work gives a clearer picture of India’s administrative framework.
Stay aware, stay informed, and celebrate the diversity of leadership across India!