Key Points

Recalling his contributution to the Tamil literarture and humble beginnings, Soundararajan told ANI, ""It's a big loss not only for the party but also for the whole nation... He was a great patriot, and he died on Independence Day... He was not only a politician but also a literary expert. He had the literary forum to spread the Tamil literature among the people"

"From being an RSS cadre, he rose to the level of governor with his hard work...," the BJP leader told ANI,in her tributes.

La Ganesan passed away at 6:23 pm on August 15 at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Nagaland has declared seven days of state mourning from August 16 to 22.

During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast on all buildings where it is regularly hoisted, and there will be no official entertainment by state government departments, Nagaland Chief Secretary Sentiyanger Imchen said in a notification.

Earlier on Friday, President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief over the passing of Nagaland Governor, recalling his long and dedicated public service.

"Saddened by the demise of the Governor of Nagaland, Shri La Ganesan Ji. He also served as a Member of the Rajya Sabha and the Governor of Manipur and West Bengal. During his long public life, he worked for the welfare of the people. His contribution to the development of Tamil Nadu and the country will be remembered. I extend my deep condolences to his family and admirers," the President said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over his demise, describing him as a "devout nationalist" dedicated to service and nation-building.

In a post shared on social media X, PM Modi wrote, "Pained by the passing of Nagaland Governor Thiru La. Ganesan Ji. He will be remembered as a devout nationalist who dedicated his life to service and nation-building."

Born in 1945 in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu, La Ganesan's association with the RSS predated his schooling. He joined the BJP in 1991 to help broaden the party's base in Tamil Nadu, serving as Organising Secretary, National Secretary, All India Vice President, and State President.

When he was appointed as the Joint State Organiser of Tamil Nadu RSS, he was asked to serve in the BJP to broaden the base of the party in 1991. He served in the positions of Organising Secretary of the State BJP, National Secretary, All India Vice President and was appointed as State President of Tamil Nadu.

He was also a Rajya Sabha member representing the Bhopal constituency for 18 months.

Ganesan was appointed Governor of Manipur from August 27, 2021, to February 19, 2023, and also held additional charge as Governor of West Bengal between July 18, 2022, and November 17, 2022. He took oath as Governor of Nagaland on February 20, 2023.

- ANI