Imphal, Feb 20: Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla will work from the state secretariat in Imphal three days a week, shifting from the usual practice of governors operating from Raj Bhavan.

Bhalla will use the office previously occupied by the Minister of Education, while another ministerial office has been designated for his advisers. The decision comes after the imposition of President’s Rule in the state on February 13, following the resignation of Chief Minister N Biren Singh on February 9.

The General Administration Department has closed all ministerial offices in both the old and new secretariats due to the new administrative setup. Earlier this week, Bhalla chaired a high-level meeting at the Old Secretariat, marking his first since assuming full administrative control. The meeting was attended by the security advisor, director general of police (DGP), chief secretary, and other senior officials.

During the meeting, the Governor stressed the need for officials to function in a neutral, transparent, and efficient manner under central rule.

Bhalla was sworn in as the 20th Governor of Manipur on January 3, 2025, after being appointed on December 24, 2024. A retired IAS officer from the 1984 batch of the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, he brings extensive administrative experience to the role.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing within the BJP regarding the next chief minister. A senior party leader indicated that several candidates, including Assembly Speaker Thokchom Satyabrata Singh, Yumnam Khemchand Singh, Th Biswajit, and Govindas Konthoujam, are in contention for the post.