Ahead of Bihar assembly elections and just a day before the PM’s public rally in Gaya on Sunday, the Centre appointed a Dalit leader from the BJP fold, Ram Nath Kovind, as governor.
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The new Governor’s appointment elicited a protest from Kumar, who said he was not consulted.
The 69-year-old Kovind, who had been a two-time Rajya Sabha member between 1994 and 2006, hails from Kanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
Ruckus ensued at an event presided over by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar where he was heckled by a group while inaugurating the Delhi chapter of the Bihar Foundation on Saturday.
Asked about his views on Himachal’s development scenario, Vrat said, “It’s one of country’s best rated states, having a good model of development”. Along with Kovind, President Pranab Mukherjee also issued the appointment order of 56-year-old educationist Acharya Dev Vrat as the governor of Himachal Pradesh.
“As per the procedure, the central government through home ministry holds consultations with the state government, its chief minister on it (appointment of governor)… I have also got the information (about the appointment) through media”, Kumar said.
“But, today the situation has changed and they are seen with respect because people know that they have created a place for themselves by their talent and hard work”, Nitish said. With elections round the corner, Dalits are going to play an important role in BJP’s caste calculation, say sources.
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Considered close to Yoga guru Ramdev, Vrat has been principal of the Gurukul, which is run on Arya Samaj principles, for three decades.
