Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Goa on July 26, 2025, in a formal ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Panaji. The oath of office was administered in the presence of key dignitaries, senior state officials, and members of the political and administrative fraternity. His assumption of the gubernatorial role marks the beginning of a new chapter in Goa’s constitutional leadership as he succeeds P. S. Sreedharan Pillai, who served as the 19th Governor from July 2021 until July 2025.
Before taking the oath, Raju officially resigned from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), a decision aligning with the convention that governors resign from active politics to uphold the impartiality required of the constitutional post. Raju’s resignation was seen as a gesture to maintain the non-partisan nature of the Governor’s office, signaling his commitment to discharge his duties without political bias.
A seasoned politician and administrator, Raju has previously served as India’s Union Minister of Civil Aviation and has a long legislative career representing Andhra Pradesh. Coming from the royal family of Vizianagaram, he carries with him a rich legacy and extensive experience in governance and policy-making. His background equips him to offer dignified stewardship over Goa’s constitutional machinery.
P. S. Sreedharan Pillai’s tenure as Governor was marked by active engagement with Goa’s political scene and development initiatives. He was appreciated for his work in fostering cooperative governance and facilitating dialogue across the political spectrum.