“I Had No Idea,” Says Jishnu Dev Varma on Being Appointed Governor of Telangana

GG News Bureau
Agartala, 29th July. Tripura’s former Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma revealed his surprise at being appointed the new governor of Telangana. Dev Varma, who lost the assembly election last year from Charilam in Sepahijala district, is the first person from Tripura to hold the position of governor of a state.

“I was not aware of my appointment as the new governor of Telangana until I received a call from Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday night,” Dev Varma told reporters on Sunday. “He informed me that I had to work outside Tripura, and I expressed my readiness to take on any responsibility given to me.”

Shortly after, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy called to welcome him, confirming his new role. Dev Varma will arrive in Telangana on July 31 to take his oath as governor on the same day.

Reflecting on his transition from a political to a constitutional role, Dev Varma said, “Earlier, I had served as the deputy CM, which was a political post. Now, I am going to perform constitutional duties. I will work in coordination with the chief minister to ensure the Constitution functions appropriately.”

Dev Varma, a member of Tripura’s former royal family, sees his appointment as a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s care for Tripura. He recalled the PM’s frequent visits to the state and his support during Dev Varma’s tenure as Deputy Chief Minister, where he held portfolios such as Finance, Rural Development, and Power.

“Tripura is where I was born and brought up. I started my political career in this small state. Even if I have to leave for Telangana, I will try my best to help my state by exchanging views, sharing ideas, and experiences,” Dev Varma affirmed.