BY THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Rajagriha, 20 July 2022: In the early hours of the day, Bishnu Chetry, the Rajpramukh of Uttaranchal took over as the new Deputy Rashtradhyaksh (also known as Upa Rashtradhyaksh) replacing Tanishkaa Patranabish who flew away from the national capital for personal reasons.
His Majesty the Rajpramukh of Uttaranchal, who was nominated by Rashtradhyaksh Dhrubajyoti Roy to be his deputy after Tanishkaa Patranabish, the Rajpramukh of Beltola announced that she would relinquish her duties as the deputy monarch on 20 July 2022. Chetry, who was the senior-most Rajpramukh after Tanishkaa Patranabish was also serving as the Chairman of the Conference of Rulers since August 2020, was elected by the influential Conference of Rulers at midnight of 12-13 July 2022. All rulers except for the Rajpramukh of Kamrupa, and the Regent of Purvanchal representing the Rajpramukh of Purvanchal participated in the election by casting their votes. The results were declared by the Rashtradhyaksh the next day, that is on 13 July 2022 and the new deputy monarch was sworn-in thereupon. The order of appointment was issued which was signed by the Rashtradhyaksh, the Prime Minister who is also the Keeper of the Seals, the President of the Privy Council, the Speaker and the Chief Justice.
Bishnu Chetry who shares a long and distinguished career in public service since joining the nation in July 2015. He first became the deputy head of state as Vice-President in October 2015 and remained till May 2016 and again served as Vice-President for a second term between November 2016 and July 2017. He also served in the union cabinet holding various positions and portfolios. He was the first Deputy Prime Minister in the fifth and sixth cabinet of then prime minister Tanishkaa Patranabish between 2019 and 2020. He led a variety of portfolios including Home, Finance, Defence, External Affairs, Education. He is also considered as a very close confidant of Rashtradhyaksh Dhrubajyoti Roy. His election as the deputy monarch is believed at a crucial moment as he is likely to succeed reigning Dhrubajyoti Roy as the next monarch of Vishwamitra in 2025.
Meanwhile, this would be for the first time that stalwart former politician and head of state Tanishkaa Patranabish remains away from the most powerful positions in the nation since 2018. She has also served as the first Rashtradhyaksh of Vishwamitra between June and July 2020. Following her abdication in July 2020, she was appointed as Co-Monarch and later as Deputy Monarch in January 2021.