India, July 22 -- The office of the Governor is a critical bridge between the central and state executive in India. While the Governor is the state equivalent of the President as the ceremonial head of the executive, the discretionary powers bestowed on the office have served to sometimes give a partisan colour to it, especially when different parties are in power in the state and the centre. Controversies notwithstanding, the governor's post is among the most important constitutional offices in the country. Because it is neither elected nor contingent on professional expertise (such as judges), it is also one of the most important acts of granting political patronage by the central executive. It is in this context that HT has prepared a ...