Ajay Kumar Bhalla was sworn in as the 19th Governor of Manipur at an event held in Darbar Hall of Raj Bhavan, Imphal on 3 January 2024. The former Union Home Secretary was administered the oath by Chief Justice of Manipur High Court D. Krishnakumar.

Bhalla is a retired IAS officer of 1984 batch from Assam Meghalaya cadre. He served as Union Home Secretary of India for around five years till 22 August 2024. Bhalla’s tenure as Home Secretary was extended multiple times, making him only the second Union home secretary to complete five years in office.

He had earlier arrived in Imphal on 2 January 2025 for the oath taking ceremony. Bhalla was accorded a warm reception by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, Speaker Th. Satyabrata Singh, Ministers, and senior officers. He also received a Rashtriya Salute by personnel of Manipur Rifles and the India Reserve Battalion at the Raj Bhavan.

In a post on X platform, Manipur Chief Minister, N Biren Singh, extended best wishes to Ajay Kumar Bhalla for a successful tenure and expressed that he looks forward “to working together towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur under his leadership.”

Attended the swearing-in ceremony of Hon’ble Governor Shri Ajay Kumar Bhalla Ji at Raj Bhawan today.

I extend my heartfelt best wishes for his successful tenure and look forward to working together towards a peaceful and prosperous Manipur under his leadership. pic.twitter.com/HRXjQN8eR8

— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) January 3, 2025