Om Prakash Mathur was sworn in as the 29th Governor of Kerala on Friday, 23 October 2026, at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram, marking a formal transition at the Raj Bhavan as the state settles into a new government following recent Assembly elections.

The Swearing-In Ceremony

Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen administered the oath of office to Mathur. The ceremony was attended by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, ministers, and elected representatives. Notably, Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan was absent from the proceedings.

Mathur arrived in the state capital on Thursday and was accorded an official reception at the technical area of Thiruvananthapuram airport. Chief Minister Satheesan led the reception, which was also attended by ministers and the Chief Secretary.

Mathur's Background and Appointment

Mathur previously served as the Governor of Sikkim before his transfer to Kerala. He was appointed to the post following the transfer of Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to Tamil Nadu. Speaking after his arrival in Thiruvananthapuram, Mathur expressed happiness at the opportunity to serve in Kerala, describing the state as 'God's Own Country' and saying he was delighted to begin a new journey here.

What the Governor Said — and What the CM Wrote

Following the ceremony, Chief Minister Satheesan shared his congratulations on social media platform X. 'I had the distinct honour of attending the solemn swearing-in ceremony of Shri Om Prakash Mathur Ji as the 29th Hon'ble Governor of Keralam at Lok Bhavan today,' Satheesan wrote. 'On behalf of the Government and the people of Keralam, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and warmest wishes to the Hon'ble Governor. May his tenure be marked by distinguished service, meaningful contributions, and continued progress for our state.'

Constitutional Role and What Lies Ahead

The Governor holds a pivotal constitutional position in India's parliamentary framework. The office is responsible for summoning and proroguing the state legislature, giving assent to bills, and serving as the constitutional head of the state — while the elected government, headed by the Chief Minister, exercises executive authority. Mathur's tenure will see him work alongside the Satheesan-led government on constitutional and administrative matters as they arise, at a time when Kerala navigates the early phase of a freshly elected administration. The absence of Opposition leader Vijayan from the ceremony is likely to draw political attention in the days ahead.