Narasimhan sworn in as Chhattisgarh Governor

Raipur, Jan 25: Former Intelligence Bureau Director E S L Narasimhan was today sworn in as the third Governor of Chhattisgarh.

He was administered the oath of office by High Court Acting Chief Justice L C Bhadhu at a function at the Darbar hall of Raj Bhawan.

Chief Minister Raman Singh, his cabinet colleagues, former chief minister Ajit Jogi and leader of opposition in the Assembly Mahendra Karma, besides senior civil and police officials were among those present.

In an informal talk with mediapersons after the swearing in, Mr Narasimhan was asked about his views on the problem of Naxalism.'' On the issue of Naxalism, what is required is not just concern but a proper evaluation of the reasons and initiatives to solve them. We will face the challenge''.

Mr Narasimhan, who is the third Governor since formation of Chhattisgarh in November 2000, is the second IPS officer to be appointed to the gubernatorial post in the state. Chhattisgarh's first Governor Dinesh Nandan Sahaya was a former Director General of Police of Bihar.

Mr Narasimhan's predecessor Lt Gen (retd) Krishna Mohan Seth had completed his tenure as Governor in June 2005 but he was asked to continue till the appointment of a new Governor.

The Governor's background as an IPS officer from the Naxal-hit Andhra Pradesh is expected to stand him in good stead in Chhattisgarh, where Communist Party of India (Maoists) have their presence in eight of 16 districts in the state.

UNI