Ajay Kumar Bhalla, the former Home Secretary of India, has been appointed as the Governor of Manipur, marking a significant administrative change at a time when the state is struggling with a resurgence of ethnic violence that has persisted since May 2023. Bhalla, a retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, brings with him decades of experience in governance and crisis management. During his nearly five-year tenure as India’s Home Secretary, which concluded in August 2024, Bhalla dealt with numerous national security challenges, making him well-equipped to address Manipur’s ongoing crisis. A native of Jalandhar, Punjab, Bhalla is expected to play a pivotal role in restoring stability and fostering peace in the region.
This appointment comes as Bhalla replaces Lakashman Prasad Acharya, who had assumed office on July 31, 2024. The transition of gubernatorial leadership in Manipur has garnered significant attention, given the delicate socio-political landscape of the state. Bhalla’s extensive administrative background is seen as an asset in navigating the complexities of Manipur’s current situation.
In other developments, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, who has often clashed with the state government on various issues, has been appointed as the Governor of Bihar. Known for his outspoken nature and independent approach to governance, Khan’s move to Bihar signals a reshuffle aimed at utilizing his experience in a different political and administrative context.
Meanwhile, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who has been serving as the Governor of Bihar, has been named the new Governor of Kerala. This reassignment is seen as part of a broader effort to ensure experienced leadership in key states.
The resignation of Raghubar Das as the Governor of Odisha has also been accepted, with Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati stepping in to fill the position. Dr Kambhampati, who was previously the Governor of Mizoram, is expected to bring his own unique administrative style to Odisha.
Further changes include the appointment of General Dr Vijay Kumar Singh as the new Governor of Mizoram. This marks General VK Singh’s first role as a state Governor, following his long and distinguished military and political career. Having served as the Chief of Army Staff and later as a Member of Parliament from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Singh’s leadership credentials are anticipated to benefit Mizoram, particularly in terms of strategic and developmental initiatives.
These appointments, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, will take effect once the new Governors formally assume their respective offices. The reshuffling of Governors across states reflects the central government’s strategic approach to bolstering leadership in regions requiring experienced and dynamic administration. The changes are also indicative of a broader effort to address state-specific challenges through the deployment of seasoned leaders with diverse backgrounds in governance, politics, and public service.
