New Delhi: Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde has been appointed the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said today (Oct 30, 2004).

Shinde replaces Surjit Singh Barnala, who has been shifted from Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu, it said adding that he would be the Tamil Nadu Governor for the remainder of his term.

Barnala succeeds P S Ramamohan Rao, who resigned yesterday.

President A P J Abdul Kalam has accepted the resignation of Punjab Governor O P Verma. Haryana Governor A R Kidwai has been asked to discharge his functions.

The resignation of Bihar Governor Rama Jois has also been accepted and Jharkhand Governor Ved Marwah has been given additional charge of Bihar.