Nagaland Governor and former BJP leader La Ganesan, who died on August 15 after a brief hospitalisation, was cremated in Chennai on Saturday with full military honours.
The mortal remains of the late Governor were kept at Kannadasan Grounds, T. Nagar, for the public to pay their last respects, where Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio paid floral tributes on behalf of the State government. Rio was accompanied by deputy chief ministers T.R. Zeliang and Y. Patton, chief secretary Sentiyanger Imchen and DGP Rupin Sharma.
Nagaland BJP president Benjamin Yepthomi arrived in Chennai on Saturday to pay homage to the departed Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan.
During the visit, the state delegation also met the bereaved family and conveyed their condolences, expressing solidarity and sharing in their grief.
The state funeral and cremation was held at Besant Nagar Electric Crematorium at 5 p.m., attended by the chief minister, deputy chief ministers and senior officials.
In a post on X, Rio said he had paid his last respects to the late Governor, accompanied by deputy chief ministers and senior officials. “His humility, dedication and selfless service to the people will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude,” Rio stated.
BJP: On behalf of the State BJP, president Benjamin Yepthomi conveyed deepest condolences on the passing of the Governor, stating that La. Ganesan’s dedicated service and commitment to public life will be remembered with respect and gratitude.
The State BJP extended sympathies to the bereaved family and joined the people of Nagaland and the nation in mourning the irreparable loss, while paying tribute and praying for eternal peace of the departed soul.
La. Ganesan was appointed as Governor of Manipur from August 27, 2021 to February 19, 2023, and was given additional charge as Governor of West Bengal from July 18, 2022 to November 17, 2022. He took oath as Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023, and served the State and the country until his demise on August 15, 2025.
In honour of his service, the Nagaland government declared a seven-day state mourning from August 16 to 22.
Condolences pour in on passing of Governor La. Ganesan
DIMAPUR, AUG 16 (NPN): Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer, political parties and organisations have expressed grief and conveyed condolences at the demise of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan, who passed away on August 15 in Chennai.
NLA Speaker: NLA speaker, Sharingain Longkumer, said he was profoundly grieved to learn of the passing away of Governor La. Ganesan Iyer.
Describing him as a distinguished statesman and a dedicated public servant, the speaker said late Ganesan devoted his life to the service of the nation with sincerity, humility and steadfast commitment.
Longkumer recalled that during his tenure as Governor of Nagaland, Ganesan worked tirelessly for the welfare and progress of the State, earning the respect and admiration of all sections of society.
On behalf of the members of the 14th NLA, he conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for God’s strength and comfort in their hour of grief.
NDPP: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) president Chingwang Konyak expressed shock and pain at the untimely demise of Governor La. Ganesan.
Chingwang, said that even as the nation celebrated the 79th Independence Day, Nagaland mourned the sudden loss of a leader who was known to be humble, down to earth and a true gentleman.
The party recalled that throughout his brief tenure since 2023, late Ganesan never imposed his authority or position but helped steer the State with wisdom and maturity.
His love for the Naga people, it said, was evident in his visits to remote and far-flung areas and in his concern for people’s issues.
The party extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
NPF: Naga People’s Front (NPF) has expressed deep sadness and anguish at the sudden and untimely demise of Nagaland Governor La. Ganesan.
NPF president Apong Pongener said that during his tenure, late Ganesan served the State with humility, integrity and a deep sense of responsibility. He stated that the Governor’s contributions as a statesman and constitutional head would be fondly remembered.
On behalf of the rank and file of the NPF and on his own behalf, Pongener conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and loved ones, while praying to the Almighty to grant eternal rest to the departed soul.
Sümi Hoho: Sümi Hoho expressed deep sadness over the demise of Governor La. Ganesan, recalling that he served the people of Nagaland with humility, integrity and commitment during his tenure.
In a press note, SH president Dr Vihuto Asumi said that his contributions and guidance would be remembered with respect and gratitude.
At this hour of grief, Sümi Hoho conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and joined the people of Nagaland in mourning the loss of a respected leader and statesman and also prayed for the soul to rest in eternal peace.
Ao Senden: Ao Senden said it was deeply shocked and saddened by the demise of the Governor of Nagaland, late La. Ganesan, who had also served as the Governor of Manipur and West Bengal.
Ao Senden president Marsanen Imsong described him as an able parliamentarian, administrator, modest and down-to-earth person and an epitome of integrity, principles and wisdom. He said that as the head of the State, Nagaland had lost a guiding star for development in the economic, social, intellectual and political spheres.
In this hour of grief and sorrow, Ao Senden conveyed its heartfelt prayers that Almighty God would bless the bereaved family with peace, comfort and solace, while also praying for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.
NTC: Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) expressed deepest sorrow and grief at the sudden and unexpected passing of late La. Ganesan, Governor of Nagaland.
NTC president C. Pankathung Lotha and general secretary C. Onen Walling said the people of Nagaland had lost a “people’s Governor” who was open-hearted, straightforward and hospitable. They said he was very dear and close to the Nagas and always tried his best to guide and help the State.
The council paid rich tribute, respect and homage to the departed soul, while praying that Almighty God grant peace, comfort and strength to the bereaved family in this moment of sadness and loss.
CANSSEA: Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees Association (CANSSEA) expressed heartfelt condolences on the sudden and untimely demise of Governor La. Ganesan. The association through its press secretary Siewatho S. Nyusou recalled his humility and dedicated service since assuming office in early 2023.
CANSSEA said his good deeds would be remembered with respect and gratitude. The association offered prayers for God’s comfort and strength to be upon the bereaved family and for the departed soul to rest in peace.