Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the youngest grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, was appointed in 2004 as the governor as the West Bengal.

President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam made the appointment following the expiry of the term of office of incumbent Viren J. Shah .

Gopalkrishna Gandhi's appointment will take effect from the date he assumes charge of his office, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communiqué said. He is a former diplomat who has served as Indian high commissioner in South Africa and in Sri Lanka.