Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, has been given the additional charge of Governor of Nagaland. This appointment follows the death of La Ganesan, the former Governor of Nagaland. La Ganesan, aged 80, passed away in a private hospital in Chennai on Friday, August 16th.
A statement from the government confirmed that, in light of the passing of La Ganesan, the President has designated Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the Governor of Manipur, to fulfill the responsibilities of the Governor of Nagaland, in addition to his existing duties.
Bhalla, a retired IAS officer, was appointed Governor of Manipur last year by President Droupadi Murmu. He is a retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch and was appointed as the Union Home Secretary on August 22, 2019, serving in that role for approximately five years, until August 22, 2024.
In response to the death of Governor La Ganesan, a seven-day period of state mourning has been announced in Nagaland, spanning from August 16th to August 22nd. The state government has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast on all government buildings during this time. Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio stated that La Ganesan’s legacy would inspire future generations. He also highlighted Ganesan’s efforts to strengthen unity and promote development within Nagaland.
La Ganesan, who became the 19th Governor of Nagaland in 2023, previously held the position of Governor of Manipur and West Bengal (additional charge). Following a fall at his home in T. Nagar, Chennai, on August 8th, La Ganesan sustained a severe head injury. He was admitted to a private hospital in Chennai for treatment, but his condition did not improve, ultimately leading to his death.