The Nagaland government has declared a seven-day state mourning from August 16 to 22, 2025, as a mark of respect for Governor La Ganesan, who passed away on August 15 at the age of 80. Ganesan died while undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He had been in the ICU after collapsing at his Chennai residence on August 8 and sustaining a head injury.
During the state mourning period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly flown. There will be no official entertainment by the state government departments during this time.
Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, expressed sadness at the loss, describing Ganesan as a man of integrity, principle, great wisdom, and moral strength. Rio, along with Deputy Chief Ministers T.R. Zeliang and Yanthungo Patton, Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen, Director General of Police Rupin Sharma, and other state officials, traveled to Chennai to pay their last respects.
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed their condolences. Modi remembered Ganesan as a devout nationalist who dedicated his life to service and nation-building and worked to expand the BJP across Tamil Nadu. He also noted Ganesan's passion for Tamil culture. Murmu said that Ganesan worked for the welfare of the people, and his contribution to Tamil Nadu and the country would be remembered.
La Ganesan was appointed the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023, and assumed office on February 20, 2023. Before his appointment as Governor of Nagaland, Ganesan served as the Governor of Manipur from 2021. He also held the additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal between July and November 2022.
Ganesan had a long and distinguished career in public service. He was a former Rajya Sabha MP and a well-known BJP leader in Tamil Nadu with RSS roots. He was actively involved in strengthening the BJP's base, especially in southern India and was respected for his straightforward and disciplined approach.
A memorial service to honor Ganesan's life, service, leadership, and dedication was held at Raj Bhavan in Kohima. Nagaland Assembly Speaker Longkumer described the gathering as a fellowship to honor the governor and a sign of love and remembrance for him. He added that the fellowship was conducted to express solidarity with the governor's family, in keeping with Naga custom.
The mortal remains of La Ganesan will be cremated in Chennai with full state honors. His body was kept at his T. Nagar residence for the public to pay their respects before the cremation. Condolences have poured in from various political parties, organizations, educational institutes, and individuals across Nagaland.
