Guwahati: Senior BJP leader Nand Kishore Yadav officially assumed office as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland on Friday during a formal swearing-in ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Kohima.
Ashutosh Kumar, the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court, administered the oath, while Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and other senior government representatives were present at the event.
Addressing the people of the state for the first time after taking charge, Yadav said Nagaland holds a unique and respected place in India's diverse cultural landscape.
He praised the state for its rich traditions, strong community bonds and the resilience of its people, noting that the cultural heritage of the Naga community is a matter of pride not only for Nagaland but for the entire country.
The governor also pointed to the growing attention given to the region in recent years, particularly in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure and economic progress. According to him, these initiatives are opening up new possibilities for development while ensuring that the region's distinct culture and traditions remain protected.
Yadav further noted that the people of Nagaland continue to look forward to enduring peace, stability and overall development.
He stressed that harmony and peace are essential for long-term progress and expressed confidence that, through cooperation and understanding among all sections of society, the state will advance steadily toward prosperity.
The governor added that he would carry out his responsibilities in accordance with the Constitution and work closely with the state government and various stakeholders to strengthen governance, promote inclusive growth and ensure the well-being of the people.
Before taking up the gubernatorial post, Yadav had an extensive political career in Bihar. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader served in several important positions in the state government and was the 17th Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2024 to 2025.