Ganeshi Lal’s term as governor of Odisha expires on Monday, but as his replacement has not been named, he is likely to continue in that role. Lal is a well-liked governor due to his approachable and straightforward personality.
On May 25, 2018, Lal was chosen to be the new governor of Odisha. He entered office on May 29 and succeeded Satya Pal Malik, who was also in charge of Bihar and Odisha. Lal, a professor of mathematics, served as minister in the Haryana Bikas Party-BJP administration from 1996 to 1999 and was previously the head of the Haryana BJP.
The 80-year-old leader is renowned for leading a simple life and being affable. Lal was the 25th governor of Odisha, and his administration has thus far been free of controversy.
On November 23, 2020, Lal lost his wife Sushila Devi to post-covid complications. The governor approved the appointment of vice chancellors to several state universities on the same day, nevertheless, he did not let his personal loss interfere with his duty.
“Duty First!! Even amidst an irreparable loss of the First Lady, Hon’ble Governor ensures that the new VCs of 6 universities are appointed today, so that they get at least 7 days to join their new assignment as the tenure of the present VCs comes to an end on 30th Nov,2020,” said a tweet from the Governor’s office after the appointments were declared. The governor also sang state song of Odisha ‘Bande Utkala Janani…’ and patriotic song ‘Ye maati Odisha and ye jaati Odia…’. “There are instances when governors continue on their posts for several years even after completion of their tenures. With the general elections a few months away, the Centre may not like to change the governor for the time being,” said a senior officer in the Governor’s office.
Prasanta Patnaik