La Ganesan, the Governor of Nagaland, passed away on August 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Chennai. A Raj Bhavan official confirmed his death. He had been admitted to Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on August 8 after collapsing at his residence and sustaining a head injury. His condition had been deteriorating since then. He breathed his last at 6:23 PM.
Born on February 16, 1945, La Ganesan was a veteran politician and a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He was also a veteran of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Ganesan served as the 19th Governor of Nagaland from February 20, 2023, until his death. Prior to this, he was the 17th Governor of Manipur between August 27, 2021, and February 19, 2023. He also held the additional charge of Governor of West Bengal from July 18, 2022, to November 17, 2022. Before becoming a Governor, Ganesan was a Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh.
Ganesan's early life was rooted in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Born into a Tamil Brahmin family in 1945, he joined the RSS and dedicated his life to public service as a full-time activist. He previously worked as a Revenue Settlement Inspector. During the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi's government in 1975, Ganesan was a key figure in the movement to restore democracy, operating as the Chief Organizer in South Tamil Nadu. He went into hiding for about a year to avoid arrest.
Throughout his political career, La Ganesan held several important positions within the BJP. He served as the National Secretary and Vice President of the party. He also served as the General Secretary and President of the BJP's Tamil Nadu state unit. Ganesan played a crucial role in expanding the BJP's presence in Tamil Nadu, a region traditionally dominated by Dravidian parties. As General Secretary, he focused on grassroots expansion, cadre mobilization, and strengthening the BJP's ideological presence. As President, he intensified the party's reach among urban middle-class voters, traders, and professionals.
La Ganesan was deeply connected to Tamil culture and the Tamil diaspora. He was the founder President of "Pottramarai" (Golden Lotus), an organization that promotes Tamil scholars, literature, musicians, and artists worldwide. He maintained regular contact with Tamil leaders and communities globally, assisting them and encouraging young Tamils.
News of La Ganesan's death has prompted condolences from political leaders across the spectrum. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow on X, remembering Ganesan as a devout nationalist who dedicated his life to public service and the BJP. Many others remembered him as a leader committed to public service, who combined grassroots activism with constitutional responsibility.
La Ganesan's contributions to Indian politics and society have been widely recognized. His dedication to the nation, his work in strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu, and his commitment to Tamil culture will be remembered. His passing marks the end of a long and impactful career.
