Govt had cordial relations with outgoing Governor Arlekar, says Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan

Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan along with other ministers during a private farewell program organized for outgoing Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The United Democratic Front (UDF) government had a cordial relationship with outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said on Thursday.

In an official send-off to the outgoing Governor at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the state capital, the Chief Minister conveyed the gratitude of the government and people of the state to Mr. Arlekar and wished him success in his new role as the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said Mr. Arlekar tried to work with the government and Assembly Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan said Mr. Arlekar was the governor who interacted the most with the public.

In his reply, Mr. Arlekar said that he was only reciprocating the affection shown to him by the people of the state.

The Chief Minister handed over a memento to Mr. Arlekar on the occasion. Ministers Sunny Joseph, Bindhu Krishna, Anoop Jacob and M. Liju were among those present.

“Prolific and eventful”

At the Lok Bhavan, Mr. Arlekar described his tenure in Kerala as very fruitful and eventful.

Mr Arlekar, who has been the Governor of Kerala since January 2, 2025, said during his last day in office that the people of Kerala are cooperative and loving. “They listened to me, understood what I wanted to say and many of them appreciated me. It is very rare that a governor gets this recognition,” Mr Arlekar said. It was not because of his qualities but because of the people of the state, he said, adding that whatever he was able to do was because of the support he was getting.

Mr. Arlekar pointed out that he had seen two governments during his tenure and had cordial relations with both. “I thank the heads of both the governments who have maintained good relations with me in the interest of the people of the state,” Mr. Arlekar said.

He said he was happy to finish his term without major confrontations.

Mr. Arlekar, who was additionally performing the duties of Governor of Tamil Nadu from March 5 this year, took charge on October 15 on a full-time basis.

He will be replaced as the Governor of Kerala by Om Prakash Mathur, who served as the Governor of Sikkim.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 21:43 IST