BJP veterans appointed as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh governors

BJP has chosen senior party members, who had virtually retired from active politics some years ago, as governors of Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

Biswa Bhusan Harichandan, Andhra Pradesh
*Harichandan, 85, began his career with Bharatiya Jana Sangh in 1971.


*Served five terms in state assembly, representing Chilka and Bhubaneswar.

*Detained during Emergency.

*After Emergency, became member of newly formed Janata Party into which BJS had merged; was a minister in the Nilamani Routray government from 1977-79.

*After Janata Party split and BJP was formed in 1980, became chief of its Odisha unit and continued in post till 1988.

*Joined Janata Dal in 1988, was a minister in the Biju Patnaik govt.

*Rejoined BJP in 1996; was a minister in the BJD-BJP government, led by Naveen Patnaik, from 2000 to 2009.

Anusuiya Uikey, Chhattisgarh
*Tribal leader, 62, was a BJP Rajya Sabha MP from April 2006 to 2012, representing Madhya Pradesh.

*Familiar with Chhattisgarh as she was in active politics in undivided Madhya Pradesh.

*Political experience will come in handy while dealing with Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government.

*Had an impressive attendance record as an MP; raised important issues, like the Tatra truck contract controversy during UPA-II and compensation to Bhopal gas tragedy victims and their families, in Rajya Sabha.

*Hails from Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara and had reportedly praised state chief minister Kamal Nath for its development.

*Madhya Pradesh governor Anandiben Patel was holding additional charge of Chhattisgarh.