Spooks in Raj Bhavan

Office of governor has acquired new nuance. Centre must broaden its search for candidates

With his appointment as Goa governor,B.V. Wanchoo,former chief of the Special Protection Group,can be added to a lengthening list. Consider these: T.V. Rajeswar,M.K. Narayanan,B.L. Joshi,E.S.L. Narasimhan and now,Wanchoo. Each man is or in the case of Rajeswar,has been governor of a state. Each has also been a senior official in the countrys security and intelligence establishment. The pattern is striking,and in an open and vivacious democracy,could even be seen as worrisome. While these distinguished individuals may be fine governors,the question remains: in a country as diverse as India,and one that presents a myriad challenges to its high constitutional functionaries,can the government have a reason to narrow down the choice of governor to a pool dominated by ex-IB officers? With due respect,it could be said that the job experience of these individuals,accustomed to working in secrecy and under the political radar,does not directly recommend them for a constitutional post that requires political skill to mediate between the Centre and states as India enters a crucial phase of federalism.

Formally,the governor of a state is a titular head. But in times of fragmented politics,in which regional interests are increasingly articulate,and when,unlike in the past,the same party often does not rule both the Centre and the state,the governors job has assumed greater sensitivity. It is not just that she is called upon to use her discretion when no party or alliance has won a clear majority in polls. It is also that during the tenure of a government,all interaction between the governor and the political leadership in the state must be handled with delicacy and care.

The times when the Centre could get its political appointee to rubber stamp its decision to dismiss an elected state government are thankfully over. But in a hangover of the past,the Central government,especially a Congress-led one,still regards the office as a prize and a form of patronage to loyal partymen and favoured officers. Changing times have invested the office of governor with new nuance. This must be reflected in a broadened search for the candidates.