New Delhi, Dec. 3: Gopalkrishna Gandhi, the Indian high commissioner to South Africa, has been appointed governor of Bengal.

Gopal Gandhi will take over from Viren J. Shah, whose term has expired, a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.

His appointment will take effect from the day he assumes charge. A grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Gopal Gandhi has also served as high commissioner to Sri Lanka.