Kohima/Chennai, August 16: President Droupadi Murmu has appointed Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland in addition to his existing responsibilities, following the demise of Nagaland Governor La Ganesan.
The appointment was announced through an official communiqué issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan, which stated that Bhalla would assume the additional responsibility until further orders or until a full-time Governor is appointed for Nagaland.
The communiqué read: “Consequent upon the demise of Shri La Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland, the President of India has appointed Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Governor of Manipur, to discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland, in addition to his own duties.”
The decision comes in the wake of the passing of La Ganesan, who died at the age of 80 on August 15 at Apollo Hospital, Chennai. According to reports, he had been admitted to the hospital after sustaining a head injury at his residence on August 8 and was undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Despite continuous medical attention and monitoring, he passed away at 6:23 pm.
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La Ganesan, a veteran political leader and former Member of Parliament, took oath as the Governor of Nagaland in February 2023. During his tenure, he was widely respected for his approachable nature, commitment to public service and efforts to promote peace, development and social harmony in the state. His demise has been mourned across political and social circles, with leaders from Nagaland and other parts of the country paying tribute to his contributions.
Ajay Kumar Bhalla, a former Union Home Secretary and seasoned administrator, is currently serving as the Governor of Manipur. With the additional charge of Nagaland, he will oversee the constitutional and administrative responsibilities of Raj Bhavan in both states until a permanent appointment is made.
The development ensures continuity in governance and constitutional functions in Nagaland during the transition period following the loss of Governor La Ganesan.
