He has been called a ‘cipher’, ‘a purely functional euphemism’, but that is how the office of the governor was envisaged in the Indian Constitution: a titular role with discretionary (and not real) powers. Among the elected representatives of the state, he was to be a nominee of the Union government, the only qualification being that he be a citizen of India and over 35 years of age. What the Constitution-makers hoped for was a nonpolitical, non-partisan incumbent in the role.
The ‘non-partisan’ part was always suspect, but in the past few years, governors have overtly come out as agents of the party in power at the Centre, using their discretionary powers to aid and abet the fall or formation of favourable governments, or locking horns with chief ministers from the opposition parties and hampering the functioning of the state. A litany of brazen battles across the states, openly factional positions on matters of national importance and controversies involving the excesses of governors are ever more frequent now.
This story is from the October 05, 2020 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 05, 2020 edition of India Today.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
On the Waterfront
Exquisite cocktails, a delicious mezze platter and a stunning view of the sun dipping into the Mandovi river makes Feri Bar, north Goa's new haunt.
Fine Dining Minus the Fuss
Papa's recasts familiar Indian dishes in modern, artful forms, liberated from geographical boundaries.
Breath of Fresh (Ai)r
With the first thin laptop designed with artificial intelligence (AI) in the forefront, Apple's new MacBook Air M3 is future ready.
Creature Comforts
Bookmark Resorts, Jogi Mahal, Ranthambore brings an elevated luxury experience to tiger country
Sleek Sophistication
The newest Range Rover builds on its well-earned cache and also promises comfort and style
With Delhi at its Hearth
Under the mentorship of Michelin star chef Vineet Bhatia, the eponymous Dhilli at the Oberoi, New Delhi celebrates its formative first year.
COLOUR ME GREEN
Even with the inclusions, fractures, and fissures that are integral to an emerald, it's allure remains undiminished. The question is what enhancements should you allow?
THE LATITUDE THAT LONGITUDES ACCORD
As the world of whiskies expands beyond the Scottish highlands, America, Ireland and Japan, Spice dots the map with new world centres of spirited joy.
WHY LUXURY TRAINS ARE THE SMARTEST WAY TO TRAVEL IN 2024
Forget high-speed rail. Steve King applauds the revival of sumptuous - and soporific - trains, from the Royal Scotsman to the relaunched Orient Express
HOLIDAY IN THE WILD
WITH KENYA OFFERING VISA-FREE TRAVEL NOW, THE AFRICAN WILDLIFE FANTASY HAS COME HOME TO ROOST.