R.N. Ravi Bids Goodbye to Tamil Nadu Amid Cabinet’s Absence, Arlekar to Take Additional Charge

R. N. Ravi completed his tenure as the Governor of Tamil Nadu and left Chennai on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. His departure marked the end of a period that saw several political disagreements between the Governor's office and the State government.

Ravi has been transferred to serve as the Governor of West Bengal. Before leaving the state, he bid farewell at the Chennai airport, where he received a ceremonial guard of honour from the state police.

Absence of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet

One of the notable aspects of Ravi's farewell was the absence of members of the Tamil Nadu Cabinet. None of the state ministers were present at the airport during his departure.

Only a few senior officials from the state's Public Department and some staff members from Lok Bhavan - the Governor's residence were present to see him off. The absence of Cabinet ministers reflected the strained relationship that had developed between the Governor's office and the ruling state government during his time in office.

Guard of Honour at Chennai Airport

At the airport in Chennai, R.N. Ravi was formally honoured by the Tamil Nadu Police with a ceremonial guard of honour. Such ceremonies are typically held to acknowledge the service of constitutional authorities when they leave office or move to a new position.

After the brief farewell ceremony, Ravi departed the state to take up his new role in West Bengal.

Interim Arrangement for the Governor's Post

Following Ravi's transfer, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has been given additional charge of the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Arlekar currently serves as the Governor of Kerala and will temporarily handle the responsibilities of the Tamil Nadu Governor as well. He is expected to assume his duties at Lok Bhavan in Chennai on March 12.

With the Governor's position temporarily handled by Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, administrative functions related to the Governor's office will continue without interruption.

The central government may later appoint a full-time Governor for Tamil Nadu.

R.N. Ravi's move to West Bengal marks the next phase of his career in constitutional service, while Tamil Nadu prepares for a new chapter in its Raj Bhavan leadership.