Who is Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, TN Governor Who Has Delayed Vijay’s Oath-Taking Ceremony?

Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has found himself at the centre of political attention as the swearing-in of TVK chief Vijay faces delays.

Over the past twenty-four hours, Vijay has made two visits to the Lok Bhavan, with reports suggesting that the Governor has asked him to provide proof before taking the floor test.

Who Is Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar?

Arlekar, who assumed office as Governor of Tamil Nadu on 12 March 2026, succeeded R.N. Ravi, who had held the post since September 2021. His appointment marked another chapter in a long career in public service.

Born on 23 April 1954 in Panaji, Goa, Arlekar is the son of the late Vishwanath and Tilomattama Arlekar. He completed his schooling at St. Joseph's Institute in Vasco da Gama before earning a degree in Commerce from MES College in the same city.

His early political leanings were shaped by his association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and later through his active involvement with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from 1989 onwards. He also served as the State President of the Goa BJP for four years. His commitment to democratic values was evident during the Emergency of 1975-77, when he and his father were imprisoned for their opposition to authoritarian rule.

Arlekar's political career in Goa included a term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly between 2002 and 2007, during which he championed social issues, development, and environmental conservation.

From 2012 to 2017, he served as Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly, earning recognition for introducing India's first paperless assembly system. He later held ministerial responsibilities for Forest & Environment and Panchayati Raj in Goa.

His gubernatorial journey began in July 2021 when he was appointed Governor of Himachal Pradesh, followed by his tenure as Governor of Bihar in February 2023. In January 2025, he was sworn in as the 23rd Governor of Kerala before moving to Tamil Nadu in 2026.

Away from public life, Arlekar is married to Anagha Arlekar. The couple have two children, Aditi Kulkarni and Amogh Arlekar.