Stepping into the Chief Minister’s shoes, Governor Rameshwar Thakur on Friday had his first taste of the State’s administration. Operating from his Vidhana Soudha office — set up in the former CM’s chamber on the third floor — the new administrative head and his team went about their job without the regular clamour attached to the CM’s retinue.

Taking further former CM H D Kumaraswamy’s meet-the-people initiatives, the Governor even announced his version of the Janata Darshan. “I’ll meet the people thrice a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, between 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm,” Thakur told reporters.

After the media interaction, he was on the Friday routine, meeting a bunch of people and addressing their issues.
With the Secretary’s and ADC’s offices also in place, the Governor’s office will now function as a full-fledged unit from Vidhana Soudha.

The Governor’s Friday meeting with department secretaries, complete with elaborate security arrangements and media teams, also brought the bustle back to the Soudha.

Vatal on the offensive

Close on the heels of his 10 am arrival at the Soudha, the Governor had a hostile welcome from MLA Vatal Nagaraj. In characteristic style, Nagaraj raised objection to the Governor’s visit and slammed the imposition of resident’s Rule in the State.

“Vidhana Soudha is for elected people’s representatives... President’s Rule is against the spirit of democracy,” the MLA said, while raising slogans and flashing a black cloth in protest.

IAS officers shifted

Meanwhile, the Governor on Friday issued an order transferring three IAS officers with immediate effect.

D V Prasad, who was Secretary-1 to the Chief Minister, has been transferred to Animal Husbandry department as Secretary, Bangalore, in the downgraded vacancy; Siddaiah, who was Secretary to Deputy Chief Minister, is transferred to Health and Family Welfare department, Bangalore, as Secretary and Rakesh Singh, who was Secretary-2 to the CM, has been transferred to Commerce and Industries department as Managing Director Hutti Gold Mines Limited. The order has been issued in the name of President of India. 

THAKUR TALKS

Administration of the State
“I’m here as the President’s nominee.”

Possibilities of a new coalition government
“That’s not our subject of discussion. I’m only discharging duties as per the Constitution.”

The Governor’s council of advisors
“Normally, there are three advisors.”

Nominations to boards and corporations
“I have to see the files. The Chief Secretary has been following established practices.”

Congress demand on review of former government’s decisions
“Such demands are normal.”

Law and order situation
“Top priority for maintenance of law and order, especially during approaching festivals.”

The future of Bangalore Mysore Infrastructure Corridor
“We have to meet and discuss specific issues later.”