Latest news with #AshokGajapathiRaju


New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Senior TDP leader Ashok Gajapathi Raju sworn in as Governor of Goa
VIJAYAWADA: Senior Telugu Desam Party leader and former Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the Governor of Goa on Saturday, succeeding PS Sreedharan Pillai. Ashok Gajapathi Raju took the oath of office at Raj Bhavan in Panaji, administered by Bombay High Court Chief Justice Alok Aradhe. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and several dignitaries were present. Addressing the gathering, Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that he would uphold the Constitution while serving the people of Goa. Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the newly appointed Goa Governor and expressed hope that he would set a high standard in his new role through impartial and dedicated service. AP Legislative Assembly Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, and HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh also attended the ceremony and congratulated the Goa Governor. Later, they met Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and felicitated him. BJP leaders from Andhra Pradesh, including State President PVN Madhav and Union Minister of State for Heavy Industries Bhupathiraju Srinivasa Varma, also attended the swearing-in and met the Goa Chief Minister. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who was affiliated with the Telugu Desam Party, resigned from the party following the announcement of his gubernatorial appointment.


The Hindu
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Ashok Gajapathi Raju takes oath as Goa Governor
Former Union Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the Governor of Goa on Saturday (July 26, 2025), succeeding P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. Mr. Raju was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan by Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries attended the event. Mr. Raju, 74, said he would follow the Constitution of India while serving the people. 'We all work as a team, and I am very delighted that I am associated with Goans,' he said. 'Though I don't understand the local language and this is my first assignment in this (gubernatorial) office, I have had a long innings in the political set-up. I was a seven-time legislator in Andhra Pradesh before it was bifurcated into two states,' he said. Referring to his political career, Mr. Raju said he had a short tenure in Parliament. 'I have been in and out as a minister in the government and also sat in the opposition. I have wide experience,' the Governor added. A veteran Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader from Andhra Pradesh, Raju served as the Civil Aviation Minister between May 27, 2014 and March 10, 2018. He has also held ministerial posts in the Andhra Pradesh government. Later, addressing reporters, Mr. Raju said he was looking forward to working with the people of Goa. 'I am looking forward to working for you, or rather, I should say 'working with you. 'For' is a mind terminology, but (I prefer to say) 'with you' because if people don't work with the government, democracy suffers. We don't want that situation. We want everyone to work unitedly,' he added. He appealed to people to take India forward by working together. 'India will be second to none in the world'. Mr. Pillai had completed four years in the gubernatorial position in Goa. He was accorded a farewell on Thursday (July 24, 2025).


News18
6 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Gajapathi Raju takes oath as Goa governor
Agency: PTI Last Updated: Panaji, July 26 (PTI) Former Union minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the governor of Goa on Saturday, succeeding P S Sreedharan Pillai. Raju was administered the oath of office at Raj Bhavan by Chief Justice of Bombay High Court Alok Aradhe. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other dignitaries attended the event. Raju, 74, said he would follow the Constitution of India while serving the people. 'We all work as a team, and I am very delighted that I am associated with Goans," he said. 'Though I don't understand the local language and this is my first assignment in this (gubernatorial) office, I have had a long innings in the political set-up. I was a seven-time legislator in Andhra Pradesh before it was bifurcated into two states," he said. Referring to his political career, Raju said he had a short tenure in Parliament. 'I have been in and out as a minister in the government and also sat in the opposition. I have wide experience," the governor added. A veteran Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader from Andhra Pradesh, Raju served as the civil aviation minister between May 27, 2014 and March 10, 2018. He has also held ministerial posts in the Andhra Pradesh government. Later, addressing reporters, Raju said he was looking forward to working with the people of Goa. 'I am looking forward to working for you, or rather, I should say 'working with you. 'For' is a mind terminology, but (I prefer to say) 'with you' because if people don't work with the government, democracy suffers. We don't want that situation. We want everyone to work unitedly," he added. He appealed to people to take India forward by working together. 'India will be second to none in the world". Pillai had completed four years in the gubernatorial position in Goa. He was accorded a farewell on Thursday. PTI RPS NSK view comments First Published: July 26, 2025, 14:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


The Hindu
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Ashok Gajapathi Raju leaves for Goa to take charge as Governor
Former Union minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju is expected to take charge as Governor of Goa on Saturday (July 26) as per the tentative schedule received from the Union and Goa governments. Mr. Ashok who was appointed to the post 10 days ago waited for the beginning of auspicious Sravanam for his new journey as the Governor, thanks to acceptance of his request from Rashtrapati Bhavan and Union government. Along with wife Sunila Gajapathi Raju and daughter Vijaya Lakshmi (Vizianagaram MLA) he left for Goa on Friday evening. Officials of Goa came to Vizianagaram to take him to Goa as per the protocol. Hundreds of party leaders and activists hailed Mr. Ashok's contribution to the district and wished him all the best at latter's bungalow located near R&B Guest House of Vizianagaram.


Hans India
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Never ran after power, positions, says Ashok
Vizianagaram: Senior TDP leader leader and newly-appointed Governor of Goa, Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju, expressed his gratitude and shared his thoughts following the official announcement of his appointment. Speaking to the media, Ashok Gajapathi Raju said, 'I consider it a privilege that my name was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. I have never chased positions for personal gain. Once entrusted with a role, I believe in discharging my duties with full responsibility'. Reflecting on his decades-long political journey, he said, 'I have been in active politics for nearly 40 years and have held several key positions during that time. However, the post of Governor is a constitutional one, and I will now step away from direct political activity'. He affirmed that he would carry out his new responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution, adding, 'While I will no longer be involved in direct politics, I will still offer my suggestions and guidance to the party when needed.' Ashok Gajapathi Raju also said that he had spoken with the Chief Minister of Goa and the current Governor, as part of the transition process. He said his commitment to uphold the legacy and reputation of the Telugu people through his service as Governor.