On 5 August 2026, Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma stood in Mumbai and presented the National Integration and Social Harmony Award to Ladakh’s Palga Rinpoche and senior thinker Indresh Kumar. The quiet, composed presence of the Governor that day reflected a long journey — one that began in the royal households of Tripura and eventually brought him to one of India’s most important constitutional posts.
Early Life and Royal Roots
Born on 15 August 1957 in Agartala, Tripura, Jishnu Dev Varma belongs to the historic Manikya dynasty of Tripura. His father, Ramendra Kishore Debbarma, served as military secretary and home secretary to Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur. Despite his royal background, Dev Varma has always maintained a simple and approachable demeanour.
He completed his schooling in Darjeeling and later graduated with a BA (Honours) in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. Even as a young man, he showed interest in art, culture, literature and sports.
Entry into Politics
Dev Varma joined the Bharatiya Janata Party in the early 1990s, at a time when the party had limited presence in Tripura. He was made a National Council member representing the state and later served as General Secretary looking after organisational work in Tripura.
He contested elections in the 1990s but faced defeats. His perseverance paid off in 2018 when the BJP came to power in Tripura after 25 years of Left Front rule. Contesting from the Charilam (ST) constituency, he won with a massive 89.33% of the votes — one of the highest margins in that election.
Deputy Chief Minister of Tripura (2018–2023)
As Deputy Chief Minister, he handled crucial portfolios including Finance, Power, Rural Development, Planning, and Science & Technology. During his five-year tenure, he focused on infrastructure development, rural schemes, power projects and financial management. He was known for pushing projects to completion and improving governance systems in the state.
He also served as Chairman of the North East Regional Power Committee and remained closely associated with tribal development, culture and heritage conservation through INTACH.
From Telangana to Maharashtra
In July 2024, President Droupadi Murmu appointed him Governor of Telangana. He served there until March 2026. On 10 March 2026, he was sworn in as the 22nd Governor of Maharashtra at Lok Bhavan in Mumbai, taking over from Acharya Devvrat who held additional charge.
Personal Side
Married to Sudha Debbarma, Dev Varma is also a writer and poet. He has authored books such as Children of the Water Goddess, Master of Time, and other works on culture and indigenous wisdom. He has a keen interest in modern art, painting and sculpture, and earlier served as President of the Badminton Association of India.
Despite his royal background and high constitutional position, he is often described as humble and accessible. His philosophy, as shared on official platforms, centres on offering a “healing touch to those living on the margins.”
From the hills of Tripura to the Raj Bhavan of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma’s journey reflects a blend of tradition, political patience and administrative experience.
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