Arunachal Governor JP Rajkhowa removed, Meghalaya Guv given additional charge

New Delhi: Arunachal Governor JP Rajkhowa has been asked to step down, President Pranab Mukherjee's office said on Monday, adding Meghalaya Governor V. Shanmuganathan has been asked to take additional charge.

The development comes weeks after the Supreme Court restored the Congress government in the north-eastern state and censured the Governor for "humiliating the elected government of the day".

Governors are entitled to a five-year term but it is subjected to the "pleasure of the President.

71-year-old Rajkhowa was appointed as Governor in May last year.

Congress rebel Kalikho Pul had become chief minister in February and was in power for five months after revolting against the then Congress government led by Nabam Tuki.

Pul was subsequently dislodged from power by the apex court.

BJP was providing outside support to Pul, who was found dead in mysterious circumstances in Itanagar last month.

The Apex Court had criticised Rajkhowa for advancing the assembly session and fixing its agenda saying he cannot take away the House's discretion on the basis of "mere apprehension".

#PresidentMukherjee has directed that Shri J.P. Rajkhowa shall cease to hold the office of Governor of Arunachal Pradesh

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) September 12, 2016

The Governor of Meghalaya will discharge the functions of the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to his own duties

— President of India (@RashtrapatiBhvn) September 12, 2016