Nagaland Governor La Ganesan has died at the age of 80 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Chennai, a Raj Bhavan official told PTI. He had collapsed at his home on August 8, sustaining a head injury, and was admitted to the ICU for close monitoring and care.
Leaders across the political spectrum paid their respects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a message on X, said he was “pained” by Ganesan’s demise, remembering him as a committed nationalist who devoted his life to public service and the growth of the BJP in Tamil Nadu, with a deep love for Tamil culture. He extended condolences to the family and admirers.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin also posted a tribute on X and later visited Ganesan’s residence in Chennai to pay his respects. Stalin described him as a distinguished leader who served as BJP state president, the party’s national vice-president, a Rajya Sabha member, and Governor of Manipur and Nagaland. He noted Ganesan’s lifelong dedication to public service, including his decision to remain unmarried for his political work, his protest during the Emergency, and his songwriting as an act of dissent.
Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton expressed shock and sorrow on X, praising Ganesan’s dignity, humility, and steadfast commitment to people’s welfare throughout his public life.
La Ganesan was appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023, and assumed office on February 20, 2023.