Rajendra Arlekar Age, Caste, Wife, Children, Family, Biography » StarsUnfolded

Some Lesser Known Facts About Rajendra Arlekar

• Rajendra Arlekar was born and raised in Panji, Goa.

• During his childhood, he was associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and was also imprisoned along with his father during the Emergency in India (1975-1977).

• During his youth, he actively participated in awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and organizational initiatives across Goa. His dedication, leadership abilities, and people-centric approach earned him recognition among colleagues and citizens alike.

• In 1989, during the formation and expansion of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Goa, Arlekar joined BJP and played a significant role in strengthening the party at the grassroots level in Goa.

• Later within the party, he served at various post, including the state president of the Goa wing.

• Rajendra breakthrough with in Goa BJP party came when he was elected as member of legislative assembly from Vasco Da Gama, constituency in 2002.

• In 2012, he was re-elected as MLA from Pernem constituency.

• During his tenure in the legislative assembly of Goa, Rajendra actively involved in resolving issues related to public welfare, infrastructure development, tourism, and transport.

• In the same year, he was elected as the speaker of the assembly. During his tenure as the speaker, Goa assembly became the first legislative assembly in India to adopt a paperless system.

• In October 2015, Rajendra Arlekar was appointed as the Minister for Environment and Forests iin the Government of Goa.

• From 2021 to 2023, Rajendra served as the 21st Governor of Himachal Pradesh.
  

  Rajendra Arlekar with BJP leader JP Nadda

• In February 2023, he became 28th Governor of Bihar.
  

  Rajendra Arlekar with Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar

• In January 2025, Arlekar took oath as the 23rd Governor of Kerala.

• In 2025, he faced criticism from opposition groups and academics bodies for appointing an outside deans in Kannur University, Kerala.

• In March 2026, Rajendra Arlekar was given additional charge as the Governor of Tamil Nadu after the resignation of previous Governor, R. N. Ravi.

• In May 2026, Rajendra Arlekar came into news, after he repeatedly refuse Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s leader Vijay to form the government without written proof of majority support. He reportedly told Vijay, “Please come with 118 signatures.”
  

  Rajendra Arlekar (fourth from right to left) with actor turned politician Vijay

• According to some sources, he sent back Vijay for two consecutive days after the TVK failed to reach the majority mark of 118 MLAs in the 234 member assembly. Additionally, he assured Vijay that meanwhile no other party would be invited to form the government in Tamil Nadu.

• Several opposition leaders criticised, Arlekar’s decision. Thol Thirumavalavan, leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) urged Arlekar to invite Vijay to form the government. In an interview, Thirumavalavan alleged that the BJP was interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion. He added that Vijay, as leader of the single largest party, should be allowed to form governement and prove majority in the Assembly later. He said,

Now, the BJP, or Amit Shah and Modi, are interfering in Tamil Nadu politics and creating confusion. TVK has been chosen as the single largest party by the people. Therefore, he should be allowed to take office. That is the guidance provided by the Constitution.”