Governor Rosaiah to be advisor, wellwisher

CHENNAI: Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Konijeti Rosaiah assumed charge as the Governor of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, replacing Surjit Singh Barnala who had held the post since November 2004. Taking over as the new Constitutional head of Tamil Nadu, Rosaiah, 78, said he would be an advisor and well-wisher of the State and indicated that his role would be above politics—that of a Constitutional functionary.“My mission as a Governor will be to be a Constitutional functionary of the government. I will be an advisor and a wellwisher to the State. Till yesterday, I was an active politician. But after 4.22 pm today (when he assumed office), I cease to be a politician. I am not going to be a member of a political party anymore. With a little experience in politics, I know the limitations of the Governor and I will respect the Constitutional obligations,” the Governor said in a brief interaction with mediapersons at Raj Bhavan here.Stating that J Jayalalithaa was a people-friendly Chief Minister, Rosaiah said, “I will be helpful to one and all. As the Governor of the State, I will discharge my duties in a proper manner as per law.”Earlier in the day, Rosaiah was accorded a red carpet welcome when he arrived here at the airport at 11.42 am by a special flight from Hyderabad. He was accompanied by his wife Sivalakshmi and other family members. Jayalalithaa, along with her Cabinet colleagues, welcomed Rosaiah by presenting a bouquet. Before driving down to Raj Bhavan, Rosaiah had a brief meeting with Jayalalithaa at the airport lounge.