Ajay Kumar Bhalla Sworn In As Nagaland Governor (Additional Charge)
Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in to hold additional charge as the Governor of Nagaland in a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 25 August 2025. He received the oath of office and secrecy from the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, Justice Ashutosh Kumar after being given additional charge following the death of Nagaland’s former Governor La. Ganesan earlier this month. Bhalla—an ex-Union Home Secretary and an experienced IAS officer—arrived in Nagaland ahead of the ceremony and was received by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other state officials.
So Ajay Kumar Bhalla is now doing double duty: Manipur’s governor, and for the moment, Nagaland’s too. You might read that and ask: is this routine or remarkable? Short answer: a bit of both. Constitutionally normal — yes. Politically and practically, in a region as sensitive as India’s North-East, it raises real questions about governance, continuity, and conflict management. Let’s walk through what happened, who Bhalla is, why this matters for Nagaland (and Manipur), and what to watch for next.
Why the Additional Charge Happened (The Immediate Trigger)
This wasn’t a surprise vacancy caused by resignation or routine rotation — it followed the demise of Governor La. Ganesan earlier in August 2025. The President’s office moved quickly to ensure the Raj Bhavan’s duties were covered; under constitutional practice, another sitting governor is often given “additional charge” until a full-time appointment is made. The Centre named Ajay Kumar Bhalla, who was already serving as Governor of Manipur, to discharge Nagaland’s gubernatorial functions. The swearing-in at Raj Bhavan Kohima on 25 August formalised that arrangement
FAQs
1) When did Ajay Kumar Bhalla take oath as Nagaland’s Governor (additional charge)?
He was sworn in at Raj Bhavan, Kohima on 25 August 2025 after being given additional charge following the death of Governor La. Ganesan.
2) Why was he given additional charge instead of appointing a new governor immediately?
Constitutional practice allows the President to assign another state’s governor to hold additional charge to prevent a vacancy; it’s a stop-gap measure while the Centre decides on a permanent appointment.
3) Does this mean Ajay Bhalla will stop being Governor of Manipur?
Not automatically. “Additional charge” means he retains his Manipur post while also performing Nagaland duties; any change would require a new presidential appointment.
4) What experience does Bhalla bring to the role?
He’s a retired IAS officer (1984 batch) and a former Union Home Secretary, with extensive administrative experience in security, governance, and Centre-state coordination—skills particularly relevant in the North-East
5) What should locals expect in the coming weeks?
Expect a focus on administrative continuity, meetings between Raj Bhavan and the state government, and close attention to any statements Bhalla makes about peace and governance—the way he engages will shape local perception.
