Nand Kishore Yadav sworn in as Nagaland’s 23rd governor

Nand Kishore Yadav was sworn in as the 23rd Governor of Nagaland during a ceremony held at Dr. Imkongliba Ao Hall, Lok Bhavan here on Friday.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by Gauhati High Court Chief Justice, Ashutosh Kumar, in the presence of the Nagaland chief minister, Dr. Neiphiu Rio.
The swearing-in proceedings were initiated by state chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, who also read out the Warrant of Appointment issued by President Droupadi Murmu.
The ceremony was attended by members of the state cabinet, legislators, senior government officials, representatives of various organizations, and invited dignitaries. Following the swearing-in ceremony, the governor interacted with the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues.
After assuming the office of Governor of Nagaland, Nand Kishore Yadav addressed the people of the state conveying his commitment to work for the welfare and progress of Nagaland and expressing his gratitude for the warm welcome extended to him.
In his address, Yadav expressed deep appreciation to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with the constitutional responsibility.
He described Nagaland as a vital part of India’s diverse fabric, praising its rich cultural heritage, strong community values, and the resilience and warmth of its people.
Yadav highlighted India’s ongoing transformation under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership—including advances in economic growth, infrastructure, science & technology, social empowerment, and global standing. He noted the renewed attention and investment in the North East, particularly in connectivity and development integrating the region into the national growth story while preserving its unique identity.
He acknowledged Nagaland’s steady progress in infrastructure, education, agriculture, tourism, digital connectivity, and entrepreneurship that were improving livelihoods and opening new economic avenues.
Yadav also expressed admiration for the state’s youth, who were excelling in education, sports, arts, entrepreneurship, and public service.
He also stressed the need to create meaningful opportunities for educated young people, especially through skill development, innovation, and support for sectors such as entrepreneurship, agriculture-based ventures, tourism, and the digital economy.
Affirming that lasting peace, stability, and harmony form the foundation for sustainable development, the governor pledged to uphold the Constitution, collaborate closely with the state government and all sections of society, and work toward good governance, inclusive growth, and the welfare of the people.
Yadav concluded by calling on the people of Nagaland to join him in strengthening peace, advancing development, preserving cultural heritage, and building a brighter future for the state and the nation.
Yadav is a veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party from Bihar with a background in local business and long-standing grassroots political work.
Born on August 26, 1953 in Patna to Panna Lal Yadav and Raj Kumari Yadav, he completed his matriculation in 1969 from State Marwari High School and later obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Magadh University.
From an early age, he was involved in social and political activities and became active in the ideological and organisational work of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in 1969. He also participated in student activism through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.
Yadav began his public life in local governance and gradually rose to become one of the senior leaders of the BJP in Bihar. He served as councillor of Patna Municipal Corporation in 1978 and later as deputy mayor of the civic body in 1982.
During his political career, Yadav held several organisational responsibilities in the BJP, including president of BJP Yuva Morcha in Bihar in 1990, general secretary of BJP Bihar in 1995, and president of the BJP Bihar unit from 1998 to 2003.
He was elected to the Bihar Legislative Assembly seven times, representing the Patna East and later Patna Sahib constituencies. During his tenure in the Government of Bihar, he held ministerial portfolios including Road Construction, Tourism, and Health & Family Welfare.
Yadav also served as leader of the opposition in the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2013 to 2015 and later as the 17th Speaker of the Bihar Legislative Assembly from 2024 to 2025.
Known for his long public service and administrative experience, Yadav has been associated with legislative leadership, governance and development initiatives over several decades in Bihar.
Yadav was appointed Governor of Nagaland on March 5, 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu and assumed office as the 23rd Governor of the state on March 13, 2026.