A Distinguished Academic and BJP Veteran Ashim Kumar Ghosh appointed as new Governor of Haryana

Asim Kumar Ghosh Appointed Governor of Haryana

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 15, 2025 : Asim Kumar Ghosh, a prominent academician and veteran political figure from West Bengal, has been appointed as the new Governor of Haryana by President Droupadi Murmu. The announcement, made on July 14, has surprised many within his own political circle, as Ghosh had gradually distanced himself from active politics after stepping down as the BJP’s state president in the early 2000s.

Sitting in his residence on Panchanatala Road in Howrah, Ghosh shared his thoughts on this significant appointment. He expressed that taking up the governor's role was a highly responsible position. Though he had yet to receive official documents, he mentioned that many people had already reached out to congratulate him. He also conveyed his gratitude to the President for entrusting him with such an esteemed position. “Even though I will be in Haryana, my heart will always remain with the people of Bengal. I will work for the progress of Haryana, but I also hope to contribute to the development of my home state," Ghosh added.

The 81-year-old academician and politician acknowledged the many challenges facing West Bengal, including issues around governance and public welfare. He expressed hope that the state would emerge from its “dark days,” where, according to him, many obstacles hindered progress. His vision for a better India included a society where girls could attend schools and colleges without fear and a country where industrial growth would thrive regardless of political opposition.

Ghosh's career began as a professor of Political Science at Shri Shikshayatan College in Kolkata. Born in 1944 in Howrah, British India, he began his education at Vivekananda Institution, later earning a bachelor's and master's degree in Political Science from Vidyasagar College and Calcutta University, respectively. Ghosh became a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 1991 and quickly rose through the ranks, largely under the mentorship of prominent party figures like Tapan Sikdar.

In 1996, Ghosh was appointed the state secretary of BJP in West Bengal, and by 1998, he became the state vice-president. His leadership skills were further recognized when, in 1999, he was appointed the BJP state president after Tapan Sikdar relinquished the post. Ghosh’s tenure saw him narrowly defeating veteran leader Sukumar Bandyopadhyay in the 2000 state elections by a margin of just 34 votes, cementing his role as a key figure in the state’s political landscape.

Despite his influential role in strengthening the BJP in West Bengal, Ghosh gradually reduced his political activities after stepping down as state president in 2002. He briefly held a national-level position within the BJP and worked as an observer for the Tripura unit of the party from 2003 to 2005. While he remained somewhat active in party functions, particularly during the second tenure of Rahul Sinha as Bengal BJP president, he had largely withdrawn from day-to-day political activities in recent years.

Ghosh’s appointment as Governor of Haryana has received widespread support. Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER, Sukanta Majumdar, congratulated him on social media, describing Ghosh as a distinguished academician and seasoned statesman. “His profound intellect, rich administrative experience, and unwavering commitment to public service have long been a source of inspiration for many,” Majumdar said in his post. He expressed confidence that Ghosh’s leadership would be invaluable to the people of Haryana, further contributing to the state’s progress.

Though Ghosh’s appointment took many by surprise, it marks the culmination of a long and storied career in education, public service, and politics. His journey from a professor to a key political figure within the BJP, and now the Governor of Haryana, highlights the deep impact of his work on the Indian political landscape.

As the third Bengali to hold the post of Haryana’s Governor, following Birendra Narayan Chakraborty and Hari Anand Barari, Ghosh’s appointment is seen as a significant moment in both the state’s and his own political trajectory. He now embarks on this new constitutional responsibility with a clear vision of working for the development of Haryana while never losing sight of his roots in West Bengal.