Chennai, Oct 6 (IANS) Shifted from Assam, Banwaharilal Purohit was on Friday sworn in as the Governor of Tamil Nadu where the opposition and the rebel AIADMK faction are seeking an immediate floor test in the Assembly.
Purohit, 77, a former MP who hails from Nagpur, was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice of the Madras High Court Indira Banerjee at a function in the Raj Bhavan.
The event was attended by Chief Minister K. Palaniswamy, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, ministers and Leader of the Opposition M.K. Stalin.
For over a year, Tamil Nadu had Ch. Vidyasagar Rao as acting Governor after the departure of K. Rosaiah, whose term ended last year.
Rao came under attack from the Opposition and the rebel faction of the AIADMK headed by T.T.V. Dinakaran for not ordering a trial of strength after they claimed that the Palaniswamy government has been reduced to a minority following the withdrawal of support of 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dinakaran.
Now the issue is before the Madras High Court even as the opposition and the Dinakaran faction are expected to take up the issue with the new Governor.