Senior journalist Payal Mehta passed away on Sunday. Mehta, 46, was on a visit to Mumbai when she was rushed to the hospital after sudden uneasiness.
"On a visit to Mumbai, she developed uneasiness. Around 2 am she was taken to the hospital. Before any treatment could be administered, her pulse went silent," said senior journalist Sheela Bhatt in a post on X.
"Payal was one of the standout political reporters of her generation — deeply respected, remarkably well connected and a formidable presence in Parliament. Her access was matched by her understanding of national politics, and her relentless commitment to being on the ground made her reporting stand apart," said a post by CNN-News 18, while paying tribute to the late journalist.
PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi and more offer condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Mehta's death. He emphasised that beyond her work, Mehta would be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.
{{/usCountry}}Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled Mehta's death. He emphasised that beyond her work, Mehta would be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.
{{/usCountry}}"Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting," Modi said in a post on X.
"Her sudden and untimely passing is extremely saddening. My condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour. Om Shanti," he said.
Hailing Mehta as a thorough professional committed to delivering detailed information about various issues, home minister Amit Shah remarked that the passing of such a talented journalist is an irreplaceable loss to the field of journalism.
"I extend my deepest condolences to her grieving family and friends and pray to God to give them the strength to bear this profound pain. Om Shanti," he said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his deep shock and sadness at the news of Mehta's passing.
"She has left us far too soon. Payal was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism," he said.
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also condoled her death, adding that Mehta was a hardworking and diligent journalist who had a keen understanding of public affairs.
"Her untimely passing is deeply distressing. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour," he said.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over Mehta's demise, saying, "My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues," he said.
Meanwhile, Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that Mehta's passing is a profound loss to journalism. "May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family," he said.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was deeply pained to know about the sudden demise of the "very hardworking" journalist. "She used to meet me whenever I was in New Delhi and always on the field. She will be remembered for her dedication towards journalism. My deepest condolences to her family and friends," he said.
Assam Chief Minister Sarma expressed his sadness upon hearing of Mehta's passing. "I have known her for a long time. She was full of life and brought an infectious energy to everything she did. Yet for all her dedication to her work, what stood out most was how deeply she valued her relationships," he said.
Conveying his deepest condolences to Mehta's family, Sarma said, "I pray they find the strength to navigate this difficult phase. Prayers for her sadgati. Om Shanti".
(With inputs from PTI)