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Meet Governor RV Arlekar, At The Helm Of Tamil Nadu's Big Transition
The article outlines RV Arlekar’s rise from Goa’s RSS-BJP milieu to constitutional roles across India and his current position as Tamil Nadu Governor with March 2026 noting his additional charge. It frames Tamil Nadu’s transition as contingent on the governor’s assessment of party numbers, amid TVK’s 108-seat tally. The timeline also traces key pre-2026 milestones in Arlekar’s career.
Why It Matters
Arlekar’s appointment and actions sit at the crossroads of Tamil Nadu’s political transition, with his long tenure in RSS-BJP networks shaping the state’s governance dynamics for decades.
Timeline
14 Events
Goa BJP leadership roles (2003-2007)
2003-2007
During this period, Arlekar held several key party posts, including Goa BJP general secretary and later Goa BJP state president between 2003 and 2007.
Imprisonment during Emergency (1975-1977)
1975-1977
During the Emergency proclaimed by Indira Gandhi (1975-1977), Arlekar and his father were jailed for participating in anti-Emergency protests linked to the RSS; he regards the experience as a political baptism.
TVK oath uncertainty reported (May 6, 2026)
May 6, 2026
The article reports that TVK chief Vijay may not take oath tomorrow because Tamil Nadu Governor Arlekar is not convinced the party has the numbers to form the government; the TVK won 108 seats, needing 118 for majority.
Appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu (March 2026)
March 2026
In March 2026, Arlekar was given additional charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu while continuing as Kerala Governor.
Governor of Kerala (January 2025)
January 2025
In January 2025, he took oath as Governor of Kerala.
Governor of Bihar (February 2023)
February 2023
He was transferred as Governor of Bihar in February 2023.
Governor of Himachal Pradesh (July 2021)
July 2021
In July 2021, Arlekar became Governor of Himachal Pradesh, marking his entry into a constitutional role.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Panchayati Raj (Goa Cabinet) (October 2015)
October 2015
In October 2015, Arlekar entered the Goa cabinet as Minister for Forest, Environment and Panchayati Raj, serving until 2017.
Paperless Goa Assembly under Arlekar (2015)
2015
As Speaker, Arlekar led reforms toward a fully paperless assembly; Goa became India's first paperless assembly by 2015.
Parrikar moves to Delhi; Arlekar seen as CM contender (November 2014)
November 2014
In November 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought Parrikar to Delhi as Defence Minister, Arlekar's name emerged as a serious contender for Goa Chief Minister.
Pernem MLA and Speaker of Goa Assembly (2012)
2012
In 2012, he was elected to the Goa Assembly from Pernem and became Speaker of the Goa Assembly.
First entry to Goa Assembly from Vasco (2002)
2002
He entered the Goa Assembly for the first time from Vasco constituency in 2002, serving as MLA until 2007.
BJP active member in Goa (1989)
1989
Arlekar formally became an active member of the BJP in 1989, during a period when the party was still developing its foothold in Goa.
Birth in Panaji, Goa (1954)
1954
RV Arlekar was born in Panaji, Goa, in 1954. He grew up in a Goa where the RSS network was small and ideologically driven, entering that ecosystem as a child in the 1960s.