Ajay Kumar Bhalla takes oath as Governor of Nagaland; pledges support for state’s progress

KOHIMA/DIMAPUR — Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday took oath as the new Governor of Nagaland at Dr. Imkongliba Memorial Hall, Raj Bhavan, Kohima.

Bhalla, who is also the Governor of Manipur, was given additional charge of Nagaland by the president of India following the sudden demise of La. Ganesan on August 15 in Chennai.

The oath of office was administered by Justice Ashutosh Kumar, Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court.

The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio, Deputy Chief Ministers TR Zeliang and Y Patton, Cabinet Ministers, Advisors, MLAs, and senior government officials. Padma Shri awardees and representatives of tribal bodies and religious organisations were also present.

Also read: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla gets additional charge of Nagaland as La. Ganesan dies

The ceremony was presided over by Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, who read out the warrant of appointment. Following the oath, Governor Bhalla was accorded a guard of honour, attended an ‘At Home’ reception at the Banquet Hall, and later visited the Kohima War Cemetery with his wife to pay tributes.

Maiden address

In his first address to the people of Nagaland through Akashvani and Doordarshan Kohima, Bhalla expressed gratitude for the welcome extended to him and recalled the contributions of his predecessor, the late La. Ganesan. Calling him “a people’s governor,” he said Ganesan had “set a benchmark of public service that I can only aspire to follow.”

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“While his are very big shoes to fill, I assure you that I will strive to uphold the highest traditions of this honoured position and to live up to the expectations of the people,” he said.

Bhalla described his appointment as an opportunity to serve and a sacred responsibility to work for the welfare of the people of Nagaland and for the progress of the nation.

Read more: Governor-designate Ajay Kumar Bhalla arrives in Nagaland

Nagaland, he said, is a state of “rich cultural diversity, resilience, and scenic beauty” and said he felt privileged to return as its first citizen. He pledged to contribute to the state’s progress “to the very best of my ability.”

Highlighting the state’s potential in youth entrepreneurship, organic farming, tourism, and handicrafts, he emphasised the need to focus attention on improving connectivity, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. “I assure the state government of my fullest support and co-operation in these efforts, and work in close harmony for the welfare of our people,” he said.

Linking Nagaland’s development to the nation’s aspiration for Viksit Bharat by 2047, he said: “No one must be left behind. Nagaland, with its unique strengths and strategic location, has a vital role to play in this national story.”

Calling for collective effort from the government, civil society, tribal bodies, and citizens, Bhalla urged everyone to work together “so that one day, very soon, every citizen of Nagaland can enjoy the fruits of this national dream.”