Ajay Kumar Bhalla to be Sworn In as Nagaland Governor on August 25

Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who is presently serving as the Governor of Manipur, has been officially announced as the new Governor of Nagaland. He will be sworn in on Monday, August 25, at the Raj Bhavan in Kohima, according to an official statement. His appointment comes as an additional responsibility following the unfortunate demise of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, who passed away on August 15 while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Chennai.

The official invitation issued for the occasion confirmed that the swearing-in ceremony will take place at Raj Bhavan, Kohima, where Bhalla will formally assume his new charge. His appointment is being seen as an important administrative development, especially in the wake of Nagaland losing its Governor unexpectedly.

Nagaland’s Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, speaking on behalf of the people of the state, extended a warm welcome to Ajay Kumar Bhalla. He expressed optimism that Bhalla’s extensive administrative background and vast governance experience would prove to be immensely beneficial for the people of Nagaland. According to Rio, Bhalla’s knowledge and leadership skills would be “invaluable in advancing peace, harmony, and progress” across the state. His words highlight the state government’s hope that Bhalla will provide stability and support in a region that requires sensitive and experienced handling of political and social issues.

The announcement of Bhalla’s appointment came just as Nagaland concluded its seven-day mourning period for late Governor La Ganesan. The mourning period, which began after his death on August 15, formally ended on Friday, August 22. Throughout this period, the people of Nagaland, alongside the government, paid homage to La Ganesan’s contributions and legacy as a political leader and as the Governor of the state.

La Ganesan was a veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader from Tamil Nadu, known for his close association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His political and administrative career spanned decades, during which he held several significant positions. Between 2021 and 2025, Ganesan served as the Governor of three different states—Manipur, West Bengal, and Nagaland—a testament to the trust placed in him by the central leadership.

He was formally appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023, and assumed office on February 20, 2023. During his brief tenure, he worked to uphold the constitutional framework of the state and supported the government in maintaining peace and order. His passing away at the age of 78 created a sudden vacuum in Nagaland’s administrative leadership, making the appointment of a new Governor a matter of urgency.

The Union government’s decision to entrust Ajay Kumar Bhalla with the additional responsibility of Nagaland reflects confidence in his ability to handle sensitive northeastern states. As Manipur’s Governor, Bhalla has been dealing with complex issues of governance, ethnic relations, and law and order, experience that is expected to help him in steering Nagaland through its own challenges.

With the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for August 25, the people of Nagaland now await a new phase of leadership under Ajay Kumar Bhalla, even as they continue to remember and honor the legacy of the late Governor La Ganesan.