- By Aditya Jha
- Fri, 08 May 2026 02:09 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Rajendra Arlekar, Tamil Nadu's governor, has come into the limelight amid a high political drama in the southern state over the formation of the new government. Vijay's TVK, the single largest party with 108 MLAs, has staked claim to form the government; however, the governor has asked the party to first prove its majority, leading to a massive debate across the country. Arlekar had a long association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and is known for his organisational skills.
Who Is Rajendra Arlekar?
- Rajendra Arlekar was born on April 23, 1954, in Goa's Panaji
- He joined the RSS in his childhood days when the organisation had limited access in the state
- Arlekar and his father were jailed during the Emergency period for participating in anti-government movements
- He formally joined the BJP in 1989
- Arlekar held several key posts, including Goa BJP general secretary, South Goa BJP president, and state party president
- He is married to Anagha Arlekar, and the couple has two children
- While leaders like Manohar Parrikar were known for their mass appeal, Arlekar's organisational skills were praised by the top brass
- Earlier in 2012, he became Speaker of the Goa Legislative Assembly and brought several changes, such as introducing paperless proceedings
- Arlekar was the front runner for the CM post when Parrikar shifted to national politics in 2014; however, Laxmikant Parsekar was made the chief minister
- He became governor of Himachal Pradesh in 2021 after spending decades in active politics
- Arlekar was later made the governor of Bihar in 2021 amid the political crisis in the state
- Earlier in January 2025, Arlekar was made the governor of Kerala
- However, he was additionally given the responsibility of Tamil Nadu in March 2026, leading to several speculations