Nagaland Governor La Ganesan, former president of Tamil Nadu BJP, died on Friday while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai, a Raj Bhavan official in Kohima said. He was 80.
As a mark of respect, the state government has announced seven-day mourning starting August 16 to 22 throughout the State during which the national flag would be flown at half mast on all buildings where the national flag is regularly flown.
As per the notification issued by chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, during the mourning period, there would be no official entertainment by the state departments.
According to PTI report, Ganesan a well-known BJP leader in Tamil Nadu with RSS roots, has served as Governor of Manipur, West Bengal and Nagaland between 2021 and 2025.
Ganesan was undergoing treatment at the ICU of the Chennai hospital for the past few days and died on Friday night, the Kohima Raj Bhavan PRO said.
On August 8, Ganesan had collapsed at his home in the Tamil Nadu capital and sustained a head injury, sources said.
He was immediately rushed to the hospital, where doctors admitted him to the ICU to undergo intensive monitoring and treatment.
Ganesan was appointed the 21st governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023 and assumed office on February 20 that year.
An RSS pracharak turned BJP karyakarta, Ganesan was a soft-spoken leader who worked hard to build the saffron party in Tamil Nadu. Ganesan quit his government job to join the RSS as a full time worker. He also served as a Rajya Sabha MP for a brief period having been nominated by his party from Madhya Pradesh.
He was appointed Governor of Manipur in 2021 and he served in that post till 2023. Briefly he held the additional charge of West Bengal Governor.
President, PM others condole
President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and host of leaders condoled Ganesan’s death.
President Murmu said, “Saddened by the demise of Governor of Nagaland, Shri La Ganesan Ji. He also served as Member of Rajya Sabha and Governor of Manipur and West Bengal. During his long public life, he worked for the welfare of the people. His contribution to the development of Tamil Nadu and the country will be remembered. I extend my deep condolences to his family and admirers.”
The PM said: “Pained by the passing of Nagaland Governor Thiru La. Ganesan Ji. He will be remembered as a devout nationalist, who dedicated his life to service and nation-building. He worked hard to expand the BJP across Tamil Nadu. He was deeply passionate about Tamil culture too. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”
Rio: State chief minister Dr. Neiphiu Rio has expressed deep sorrow over the demise Nagaland governor La Ganesan, who breathed his last in Chennai on August 15, 2025.
In a condolence message, Dr. Rio said Ganesan, appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 11, 2023, served the State with unwavering dedication and humility. “Despite holding the highest office in the State, he remained simple, humble, and deeply connected to the grassroots. His modest nature endeared him to the people and will continue to inspire generations,” Dr. Rio said.
Reflecting on his personal association with the late Governor, Dr. Rio described him as “a man of integrity, principle, great wisdom, and moral strength — steadfast in his commitment to upholding the values of the Constitution.” He added that Ganesan’s life was a testament to selfless service, calm leadership, and enduring devotion to justice and unity.
“The void left by his passing will be deeply felt, but we take comfort in the legacy of service, courage, and leadership he leaves behind,” Rio said.
On behalf of the Government of Nagaland and his family, the chief minister extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for strength and solace during this time of grief. Dr. Rio also prayed for the departed soul to rest in enteral peace.
Y. Patton: Deputy Chief Minister and BLP leader, Y. Patton, expressed deep shock and sadness over the demise of the Governor, describing his tenure as one marked by dedicated service, commitment to harmony, and unwavering focus on development. Patton noted that Ganesan’s leadership was defined by humility and a sincere engagement with people across communities, fostering unity and trust. On behalf of his family and the people of Nagaland, Patton extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, mentioning that Governor’s legacy would remain a guiding light.
P. Paiwang Konyak: Minister for Health & Family Welfare, P. Paiwang Konyak, in a condolence message said that Ganesan served the people of Nagaland with “dedication, wisdom, and humility,” leaving behind a legacy of integrity and public service. On behalf of the department and his family, he extended prayers for strength to the bereaved family and peace to the departed soul.
Imkong L Imchen: Advisor Imkong L Imchen, in his tribute, recalled his personal association with the Governor since 2023, describing him as a “thorough nationalist and firm defender of the Constitution.”
He noted that despite Ganesan’s background as an RSS Pracharak, he never displayed political bias in his administration and upheld the dignity of the gubernatorial office with unmatched grace.
“On every occasion where the Governor was required to address the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, he did so with dignity and honour, always within the parameters of constitutional obligations,” Imchen stated. He further highlighted the Governor’s sincere efforts to facilitate a permanent solution to the Naga political issue, demonstrated through his engagements with diverse sections of society.
Imchen described the Governor as “a perfect gentleman and a true servant of the people,” adding that his guidance in public service would be deeply missed.
At this hour of grief, Imchen and his wife extended their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
Tovihoto Ayemi: Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H. Tovihoto Ayemi, also conveyed his sorrow, stating that Ganesan’s dedication and service to the people of Nagaland would always be remembered. He offered his condolences to the family and all who mourn his loss, praying for his soul to rest in peace.
BJP Nagaland: BJP Nagaland State president Benjamin Yepthomi described the Governor as a leader who served with dignity and an unwavering commitment to public welfare. “His warm connection with communities and emphasis on teamwork inspired those around him,” Yepthomi said, offering heartfelt condolences.
LJP (Ramvilas): Extending condolences, Lok Janshakti Party Ramvilas, said Ganesan’s life was a lesson in rising above adversity and serving with honesty and simplicity. “His contributions to the State’s development will always be held in high regard,” the party noted, extending condolences to the bereaved family.
NU: Nagaland University (NU) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of La. Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland and Chief Rector of the University.
In a condolence message, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik conveyed heartfelt grief, describing Ganesan as a dedicated statesman whose unwavering commitment to public service and education left a lasting impact on the university’s growth and development.
As Chief Rector, Ganesan provided invaluable guidance and support to both academic and administrative bodies. His vision, wisdom, and encouragement were instrumental in shaping the university’s progress and fostering a culture of excellence, the condolence note stated.
Nagaland University fraternity extended its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and joined the people of Nagaland in mourning the loss of a distinguished leader.
The university prayed for strength and comfort to the family and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
NPP: National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland State unit, through its president and members, expressed profound grief over the Governor’s demise, terming it a great loss not only to Nagaland but to the nation. In a condolence message, the party described Ganesan as a leader of exceptional humility and wisdom, whose tenure was marked by tireless efforts to uphold unity, peace, and progress. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and his commitment to public welfare were highlighted as enduring qualities that earned him widespread respect and affection, the party said.
The NPP extended condolences to the Governor’s family, friends, and all who mourn his loss, praying for strength and solace during this difficult time and for his noble soul to rest in eternal peace.
UNDP: United Naga Democratic Party (UNDP) has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of La. Ganesan.In a condolence message, the party stated that Ganesan’s tenure was marked by dignity, humility, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of the people. His approachable nature and steadfast dedication to service earned him the respect and admiration of all sections of society.
UNDP acknowledged his significant contributions in strengthening governance and fostering harmony among communities, noting that Nagaland has lost not only a constitutional head but also a compassionate leader whose legacy will be remembered for years to come. Sharing in the grief of his family, friends, and the people of Nagaland, the party prayed for strength and comfort to the bereaved and for the Governor’s noble soul to rest in eternal peace.
NGBF: Nagaland Gaonburas Federation (NGBF) in a condolence message, recalled its interactions with the late Governor, describing him as a kind and straightforward leader who, despite his brief tenure in the State, rendered commendable service to the people of Nagaland. The Federation stated that his demise marks the loss of a great leader and a true statesman. Conveying heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, the NGBF prayed for strength and comfort to those mourning his loss and for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
LFMN: Linguistic Minority Forum of Nagaland (LMFN) expressed deep shock and sorrow, calling Ganesan “a guiding light who inspired unity, hope, and togetherness”. The forum said Governor’s support for linguistic minority communities would be remembered with gratitude. “His memory will continue to inspire us to walk the path he envisioned,” LMFN said.
WSSU: Western Sumi Students’ Union (WSSU) in a condolence note, described the Ganesan as a leader whose life was marked by unwavering dedication, integrity, and a profound commitment to public service. The union noted that during his tenure, Ganesan’s humility, wisdom, and steadfast leadership left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people of Nagaland.
His guidance and encouragement, WSSU stated, will be fondly remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The Union extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones, and prayed that the Almighty grant them strength, comfort, and peace during this time of grief. It further prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.