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How is Tamil Nadu’s governor chosen?

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Mamallapuram: Shore Temple — Tamil Nadu Shore Temple, Mamallapuram, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

The governor of Tamil Nadu is not elected by the public or an electoral college; instead, the position is filled through appointment by the president of India.12

To be eligible for this appointment, an individual must be a citizen of India and at least 35 years old. By convention, governors are typically appointed from outside the state to maintain impartiality. Once appointed, the governor serves a five-year term, though they hold the office at the pleasure of the president. While the president has the authority to dismiss or transfer a governor, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that such powers must not be exercised arbitrarily for political reasons.34

The governor acts as the constitutional head of the state, serving as a vital link between the central and state governments.3