Tripura’s Jishnu Dev Varma makes history as first state native appointed Governor of another state

Jishnu Dev Varma, the former Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura, has been appointed Governor of Telangana, marking a historic first for Tripura. This appointment signifies the first time a native of Tripura will serve as governor in another state. Born to Rajkumar Ramendra Kishore Dev Varma and Maharajkumari Kamal Prava Devi, Dev Varma has been a long-standing member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He joined the BJP in the early 1990s, demonstrating unwavering loyalty even when the party had little influence in Tripura, a state predominantly governed by the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Dev Varma’s political career peaked when he served as Tripura’s second Deputy Chief Minister from 2018 to 2023, representing the Charilam constituency. During his tenure, he managed key portfolios, including Finance, Rural Development, and Power. His recent appointment as Governor follows an electoral setback in the 2024 Assembly Election, where he lost his seat to a candidate from Tipra Motha. Dev Varma is also the uncle of Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma, the former chairman of Tipra Motha and a fellow member of Tripura’s royal family.

Beyond politics, Dev Varma is a respected writer and poet in the Northeast and has made significant contributions to literature and sports. He served as President of the Badminton Association of India from 1990-1993 and has been involved with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and the North Eastern Council’s Cultural Advisory Committee.