Ranchi, July 26 - Kateekal Sankaranarayanan was sworn in as governor of Jharkhand at a ceremony at the Raj Bhavan here Sunday.

Jharkhand High Court Chief Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra administered the oath of office and secrecy at a ceremony attended by leaders of political parties and other dignitaries.

Sankaranarayanan, 77, is the fifth governor of the state that was created eight and half years ago.

He replaces Syed Sibte Razi, who has been appointed governor of Assam. Sankaranarayanan was previously the governor of Nagaland.

His appointment here assumes significance as the state is likely to go to assembly elections by the end of this year.

Jharkhand has been under president's rule since Jan 19.