New Delhi, Sept 23: Goa governor Mohammad Fazal was today shifted to politically-important Maharashtra while senior BJP leader from Andhra Pradesh V Rama Rao was appointed governor of Sikkim.

Fazal, a former planning commission member who was appointed Goa governor a couple of years ago, has been appointed governor of Maharashtra "for the remainder of his term", a Rashtrapati Bhawan communique said. He fills the vacancy caused by the resignation of P C Alexander, who was elected to Rajya Sabha after he lost out in the presidential race. Chief Justice of Mumbai High Court C L Thakkar has been the acting governor of Maharashtra.

Sikkim governor Kidar Nath Sahani, who has not been keeping well, has been shifted to Goa in place of Fazal.

Rama Rao, who will take Sahani's place, was All India Vice President of BJP. Bureau Report