In a significant move, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, the former Governor of Sikkim, has been appointed as the new Governor of Assam, Additionally, he has been given the additional charge of Manipur, replacing Anusuiya Uikey who served as the Governor of Manipur since February 2023.
Acharya’s appointment comes at a crucial time for Manipur, which has been grappling with
Ethnic clashes between the meitei and tribal Kuki communities since May 2023. The violence has left at least 225 persons dead and displaced 60,000 persons since the beginning of the clashes.
Who is Lakshman Prasad Acharya?
Born on October 3, 1954, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Lakshman Prasad Acharya is known for his contributions to education and public service. He was the 17th Governor of Sikkim.
Acharya started his career as a teacher in 1973 at Bharatiya Shinshu Manidr in Ramnagar, Varanasi. In 1977, he initiated the “Child Education in the Village” campaign to establish schools in remote villages. He helped establish institutions of learning, such as Sishu Shiksha Niketan and Shri Kalidas Shiksha Sansthan Junior High School, in 33 far-flung locales like Baburi and Sakaldiha.
Acharya entered politics in 1990 by becoming the divisional president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the Ramnagar area of Varanasi. He later served as the General Secretary for the combined district of Varanasi, which included Varanasi and Chandauli, and the District President of BJP for the Varanasi district.
In 2015, Acharya was elected as a Member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC) and was re-elected for a second term in 2021.
Assam Chief Minister Welcomes Acharya’s Appointment
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma welcomed Lakshman Prasad Acharya’s appointment as the new Governor of Assam. He praised Acharya’s dedication to empowering the poor and his extensive organizational and legislative experience.
Sarma also expressed gratitude towards the outgoing Governo of Assa, Gulab Chand Kataria, who will be replacing Banwarilal Purohit as the Governor of Punjab. Kataria has also been appointed as the administrator of the Union Territory of Chandigarh.
Manipur Faces Ongoing Ethnic Conflicts
Replacing Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey with Acharya is a notable decision amid ongoing ethnic conflicts and unrest in Manipur. Uikey, previously the Governor of Chattisgarh, was actively concerned about the conditions in the relief camps housing individuals displaced by the conflict in Manipur.
The ethnic clashes in Manipur have left at least 225 persons dead and displaced 60,000 persons since May 2023. The appointment of a new Governor with additional charge of Manipur is expected to bring a fresh perspective to address the ongoing crisis in the state.
Other Gubernatorial Appointmrnts
President Droupadi Murmu also appointed new governors to several other states, including:
- Om Prakash Mathur, a BJP leader from Rajasthan, is the new Governor of Sikkim.
- Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, a former Maharashtra Assembly speaker and BJP leader, as the Governor of Rajasthan
- Jishnu Dev Varma, former Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura, as the Governor of Telangana
- Santosh Kumar Gangwar, a former Union Minister and eigh-time Lok Sabha MP, as the governor of Jharkhand
- CP Radhakrishnan, who was serving as Jharkhand’s Governor with additional charge of Talengama, as the Governor of Maharashtra
- K Kailashnathan, a retired Indian Administrative Service officer, as the Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry
- CH Vijayashankar, a Karnataka BJP leader, as the Governor of Meghalaya
- Ramen Deka, former MP from Assam’ Mangaldoi, as the Governor of Chhattisgarh
The appointments will take effect from the dates when the new Governors assume charge of their respective offices.
Conclusion
The appointment of Lakshman Prasad Acharya as the governor of Assam, with additional charge of Manipur, is a significant move by the Government of India. Acharya’s extensive experience in education and public service, coupled with his political background, makes him well-suited to handle the challenges faced by both states.
The ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur require immediate attention and a comprehensive approach to restore peace and harmony in the state. Acharya’s appointment as the new Governor of Manipur is expected to bring a fresh perspective to address the crisis and provide relief to the affected communities.
As Acharya assumes his new role, he must work closely with the state governments, civil society organizations, and the central government to address the pressing issues faced by the people of Assam and Manipur. With his dedication and experience, Acharya is well-positioned to make a positive impact on the lives of the citizens of these states.