Bengaluru: Dr Sudha Yadav was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Karnataka at a ceremony held at the Glass House (Gaja Bhavan) in Bengaluru on Friday. Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court Vibhu Bakhru administered the oath of office.
Outgoing Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and several other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
Dr Yadav is the second woman to hold the post of Karnataka Governor, after V.S. Ramadevi.
A native of Haryana, the 60-year-old holds a master’s degree in chemistry and a PhD from IIT Roorkee. Her husband, Sukhbir Singh Yadav, a Deputy Commandant in the Border Security Force (BSF), was killed in action during the Kargil War.
Following the personal tragedy, Dr Yadav turned towards public service. She subsequently served as a Member of Parliament from the Mahendragarh constituency and as a member of the National Commission for Backward Classes.
CM assures cooperation
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar congratulated Dr Yadav and extended his best wishes on her appointment.
In a social media post, he said the state government would work in coordination with the Governor in the interests of Karnataka, the welfare of its people and the overall development of the state.
He expressed confidence that their collective efforts would help Karnataka continue on the path of progress.
Vijayendra extends greetings
BJP state president B.Y. Vijayendra also congratulated Dr Yadav on assuming office, noting that she had become the second woman to occupy the state’s highest constitutional post.
Vijayendra referred to her academic qualifications, public service experience and role in the National Commission for Backward Classes, expressing confidence that her experience would benefit the people of Karnataka.
He also thanked outgoing Governor Thawarchand Gehlot, who had served in the post since 2021, for his contributions to constitutional values, social justice and the welfare of backward classes. Vijayendra wished him well for the future.