Ajay Kumar Bhalla Given Additional Charge as Nagaland Governor After La Ganesan’s Demise

New Delhi- President Droupadi Murmu has assigned Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla the additional responsibility of Governor of Nagaland, following the passing away of incumbent La Ganesan on Friday. The announcement was made through an official communiqué from Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Ganesan, 80, who was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai, breathed his last while undergoing treatment. His demise left a sudden vacancy at Nagaland’s Raj Bhavan in Kohima.

“In addition to his duties as the Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla shall discharge the functions of the Governor of Nagaland until regular arrangements are made,” the President’s office stated.

La Ganesan had an extensive public life, having earlier served as the Governor of Manipur and West Bengal before being appointed to Nagaland in February 2023. He was admired for his accessibility and active engagement with social and community groups across the northeastern state.

Bhalla, a veteran bureaucrat known for his administrative acumen, will now oversee both Manipur and Nagaland at a sensitive time. His new assignment coincides with ongoing peace negotiations between the Centre and Naga political groups, a process being closely watched in the region.

Condolences poured in from across the political spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Ganesan as “a leader devoted to public service and deeply committed to the welfare of people.”