Amidst the monsoon drizzling in Imphal, Nagaland Governor P B Acharya was sworn in as Manipur Governor at Raj Bhavan in Imphal around 5 pm on Thursday.
Governor P B Acharya gets additional charge of Manipur in absence of Manipur Governor Dr Najma Heptulla who will be on leave for a month.
Dr Heptulla was stated to be visiting USA where her family stays.
Senior judge Justice L S Jamir of High Court of Manipur administered the oath of office and secrecy to P B Acharya during a solemn function at Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan in Imphal.
Prior to oath taking ceremony, the state chief secretary Dr J Suresh Babu read out the President of India’s appointment of Acharya as Governor to discharge the functions of the Governor of Manipur, in addition to his own duties, during the absence, on leave, of Dr Heptulla.
Manipur chief minister Nongthombam Biren Singh led council of ministers, MLAs, family members of Governor and state chief secretary and DGP Manipur led top officials of civil and security force officials besides senior citizens and functionaries of the certain political parties attended the swearing in function.
Former chief minister Radhabinod Koijam and opposition Congress MLA A K Mirabai were also present during the ceremony.
Speaking to media persons soon after the swearing-in ceremony, Acharya said that Governor is the constitutional head of the State and that he will discharge his constitutional duties.
Acharya along with his family members arrived at Kangla helipad in Imphal around 11 am from where he proceeded towards Raj Bhavan for the swearing-in ceremony and also to inspect guard of honour inside the Raj Bhavan premises in the afternoon.
Acharya, a familiar personality in Manipur when he was the Northeast in charge of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has been the Governor of Nagaland since July 19, 2014, while Heptulla was appointed as Governor of Manipur in August 21, 2016.