Nagaland Governor La Ganesan Passes Away at 80 in Chennai
Ganesan succumbed to a severe head injury sustained after a fall at his T. Nagar residence on August 8, despite intensive medical care and surgery.
CHENNAI- Nagaland Governor and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader La Ganesan passed away on Friday evening at Apollo Hospital in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at the age of 80. His death, coinciding with India’s 79th Independence Day, marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to public service and nation-building.
Ganesan succumbed to a severe head injury sustained after a fall at his T. Nagar residence on August 8, despite intensive medical care and surgery. According to hospital sources, Ganesan was found unconscious at his home and was immediately rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors identified internal injuries caused by the fall, and although surgery was performed, his condition remained critical over the past week, leading to his demise at 6:23 p.m.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over Ganesan’s passing, describing him as a “devout nationalist” who dedicated his life to service and strengthening the BJP in Tamil Nadu. In a post on X, Modi wrote, “He will be remembered as a devout nationalist, who dedicated his life to service and nation-building. He was deeply passionate about Tamil culture too. My thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.”.
Born on February 16, 1945, in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, La Ganesan’s political journey began with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), where he served as a full-time pracharak after resigning from his government job as a Revenue Settlement Inspector. His early association with the RSS, influenced by his family’s deep ties to the organization, shaped his ideological foundation. Ganesan played a significant role in addressing communal issues, including the Meenakshipuram religious conversions and Mandaikkadu riots, earning praise for fostering peace and unity.
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In 1991, Ganesan joined the BJP, where he served in various capacities, including as the Tamil Nadu BJP president and national vice-president. He was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh in 2017, showcasing his organizational skills and loyalty to the party. Ganesan also founded *Pottramarai* (“Golden Lotus”), a cultural organization promoting Tamil literature and scholarship, and served as the editor of the BJP’s Tamil organ, *Ore Naadu* (“One Nation”).
Appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023, Ganesan previously served as the Governor of Manipur from August 2021 to February 2023 and held additional charge as the Governor of West Bengal from July to November 2022. His tenure in Nagaland was marked by his approachable demeanor and engagement with stakeholders on developmental issues, earning him respect as a steady constitutional authority.
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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who recently attended Ganesan’s 80th birthday celebration in Chennai, visited his residence to pay his last respects. Ganesan’s mortal remains were taken to his T. Nagar home for political leaders and the public to offer tributes.
Known for his passion for Carnatic music and regular attendance at the Thyagaraja Aradhana in Thiruvaiyaru, Ganesan maintained cordial relations with leaders across the political spectrum, including Dravidian parties in Tamil Nadu. His death has drawn condolences from leaders nationwide, marking the loss of a disciplined leader whose legacy spans grassroots activism, cultural advocacy, and constitutional service.
Ganesan’s passing leaves a void in Indian politics, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Nagaland, where his contributions to public life will be remembered. His mortal remains will be available for public homage at his residence, with arrangements for final rites to be announced soon.
