Banwarilal Purohit sworn in as TN Governor on day of EC's hearing on AIADMK symbol row

Maharashtra Governor Vidhyasagar Rao had been discharging duties as the In-charge Governor of Tamil Nadu

Amid the political turmoil in Tamil Nadu, Banwarilal Purohit was sworn in as the state's Governor on Friday. The BJP veteran became the Governor of Tamil Nadu relieving Vidhyasagar Rao who was discharging duties as in-charge Governor.

Banwarilal Purohit, a former Congressman joined the BJP later and was previously the Governor of Assam. Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice Indira Banerjee administered the oath of office to Purohit at the Raj Bhawan on Friday. While Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisamy stood next to the new GOvernor, leaders of all political parties greeted the new Governor. For a year, Tamil Nadu only had an in-charge Governor after full-time Governor K Rosaiah demitted office on August 31, 2016.

Banwarilal Purohit's swearing-in ceremony comes at a time when the state is in political turmoil with AIADMK split into factions. 18 MLAs of the assembly have been disqualified and the same has been challenged in court. Managing the demand for a floor test is likely to be Purohit's first challenge in Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India's full bench will on Friday hear the AIADMK symbol row. All concerned parties, including TTV Dinakaran faction, were allowed time to file affidavits in support of their claim over the symbol. The Election Commission has been asked by the Madras High Court to decide on the Two-leaves symbol row before the end of October. Hearing in the case will resume on Friday.

OneIndia News