Nagaland's Governor, La Ganesan, has tragically passed away. Prime Minister Modi has expressed his deep sympathy following the sad news.
La Ganesan, a renowned Indian politician and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, has passed away at the age of 80 in a Chennai hospital on August 15, 2025. The cause of his death was complications arising from a head injury sustained from a fall at his residence.
Ganesan was born on February 16, 1945, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, to a Tamil Brahmin family. Tragedy struck when his father passed away when he was just nine years old. Influenced by his family's association with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), he left a government job as a Revenue Settlement Inspector to join the RSS. He served as a full-time RSS pracharak (activist) for approximately 20 years, working in various places like Nagercoil and Madurai.
In 1991, Ganesan joined the BJP and held key roles within the party, including Organising Secretary of Tamil Nadu BJP, National Secretary, All India Vice President, and President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit. He was also a Rajya Sabha member representing Madhya Pradesh, elected in 2016.
Ganesan's political career saw him serve as the Governor of Manipur from August 27, 2021, to February 19, 2023, and he held additional charge as Governor of West Bengal from July 18, 2022, to November 17, 2022. On February 12, 2023, he was named the 21st Governor of Nagaland, officially taking charge of the position on February 20, 2023.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his grief over Ganesan's death, describing him as a committed nationalist who dedicated his life to public service and nation-building. Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton also expressed his grief, recalling Ganesan's humility, dignity, and unwavering commitment to public welfare throughout his tenure. Union Minister G Kishan Reddy, who also offered his condolences, described Ganesan as a man of integrity and dedication.
Ganesan remained unmarried throughout his life and was known for his commitment to the RSS and BJP, as well as his efforts to strengthen the BJP's presence in Tamil Nadu. His dedication to public service, party leadership, and governance at the state level until his last days will be remembered.
This timeline showcases Ganesan's commitment to public service, party leadership, and governance at the state level until his last days.
Key Points
- Birth: February 16, 1945, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Early career: Revenue Settlement Inspector (9 years)
- RSS involvement: Full-time pracharak from 1970 onwards
- Political Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (joined 1991)
- Key BJP roles: Organising Secretary (Tamil Nadu), National Secretary, Vice President, State President (Tamil Nadu)
- Rajya Sabha: Member from Madhya Pradesh (2016)
- Governorships: Manipur (2021–2023), West Bengal (Add. Charge 2022), Nagaland (2023–2025)
- Death: August 15, 2025, Chennai, from complications after head injury
- Personal life: Remained bachelor throughout life
In the span of his life dedicated to public service, La Ganesan, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, held key roles within the politics, policy-and-legislation, and general-news sphere, including positions as a Rajya Sabha member and various governorships. His participation in policy-and-legislation extended to his roles as Organising Secretary of Tamil Nadu BJP, National Secretary, All India Vice President, and President of the Tamil Nadu BJP unit.
