Nagaland Governor La Ganesan passed away on Friday, August 15, at Chennai’s Apollo Hospital, officials confirmed. He was 80 years old and had been undergoing treatment in the ICU for the past few days. The Governor breathed his last at 6:23 pm.

According to reports, Ganesan collapsed at his residence in T Nagar, Chennai, on August 8, sustaining a head injury due to a fall. He was immediately rushed to Apollo Hospital in an unconscious state and later underwent surgery. Despite intensive treatment, his condition deteriorated, leading to his demise.

La Ganesan’s mortal remains will be kept at his T Nagar residence for political leaders and the public to pay their last respects. He was appointed as the 21st Governor of Nagaland on February 12, 2023, and officially assumed office on February 20 of the same year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his passing, calling him a “devout nationalist” dedicated to service and nation-building. Modi also highlighted Ganesan’s contribution to strengthening BJP in Tamil Nadu and his deep passion for Tamil culture.

Born in Tanjore in 1945, Ganesan began his career as a Revenue Settlement Inspector after completing his SSLC, following the death of his father. A long-time RSS member, he played an active role during the protests against the 1975 Emergency. Before Nagaland, he served as the Governor of Manipur from August 2021 to February 2023 and also held additional charge as West Bengal Governor from July to November 2022.