New Delhi: Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who covered Parliament, the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), passed away in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.
Mehta, who was associated with CNN-News18, was visiting Mumbai when she developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was taken to a hospital, where she later died.
The sudden death of the journalist prompted condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union ministers, Congress leaders, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and the chief ministers of Maharashtra and Assam, among others.
Mehta was known for Parliament reporting
Mehta was known for her reporting on Parliament, the central government and the BJP. Her work frequently took her to Parliament during sessions, where colleagues and political leaders remembered her for her commitment to journalism.
Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt said in a post on X that Mehta developed uneasiness while visiting Mumbai and was taken to a hospital at around 2 am.
Bhatt said Mehta’s pulse stopped before treatment could be administered. The exact medical cause of her death was not provided in the reports.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Mehta as a hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with commitment and professionalism.
Singh said she would often be present in Parliament from early morning until late at night during sessions, following proceedings and carrying out her professional responsibilities.
PM Modi remembers her ground-level reporting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Mehta’s death and described her as a hardworking journalist who remained closely connected with the ground.
“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.
The Prime Minister also remembered her for the kindness and warmth she showed towards people around her.
“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,” Modi said.
Amit Shah calls death an irreparable loss
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues.
Shah described her as a thorough professional who was committed to providing detailed information on various issues.
He said the death of a talented journalist represented 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,” Shah said.
Rajnath Singh recalls her Parliament duty
Singh said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Mehta’s death, noting that she had died at a young age.
“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,” Singh said.
He recalled seeing Mehta at Parliament during sessions, where she would work from early morning through late evening while following developments.
“My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in this difficult hour. May they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Om Shanti,” he said.
Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Birla express grief
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Mehta as a hardworking and diligent journalist with 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,” Kharge said.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues.
“My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues,” Gandhi said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Mehta’s death was a profound loss to journalism.
“May God grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family,” Birla said.
Vaishnaw and Rijiju remember journalist
Union Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw described Mehta as a journalist and a dear friend.
“Her dedication to reporting was exemplary. Om Shanti,” Vaishnaw said.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news of her passing.
Rijiju recalled that Mehta had been a regular presence in Parliament during sessions. He also mentioned that he had recently attended her father’s prayer service.
“Payal used to be as regular as me in Parliament during sessions. She was a true professional journalist. Heartfelt prayers for her departed soul. Om Shanti,” Rijiju said.
Fadnavis, Sarma offer condolences
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over Mehta’s sudden death and recalled her professional commitment.
Fadnavis said Mehta would meet him when he was in New Delhi and described her as someone who was consistently active 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 Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed sadness over Mehta’s death.
Sarma said he had known her for a long time and remembered her as someone who was full of life and brought energy to her work.
He also highlighted her personal relationships, saying that despite her dedication to journalism, she deeply valued the people around her.
“I pray they find the strength to navigate this difficult phase. Prayers for her sadgati. Om Shanti,” Sarma said.
A sudden loss for the media fraternity
Mehta’s death has drawn condolences from across political and journalistic circles, reflecting the close interaction between Parliament reporters and the political establishment.
Her work focused on some of the country’s most closely watched political institutions and developments, including Parliament, the Union government and the BJP.
The condolences from leaders across political parties also highlighted different aspects of her professional career, from her regular presence during parliamentary sessions to her detailed reporting on national affairs.
With colleagues and political leaders remembering her dedication, professionalism and warmth, Mehta’s sudden death has marked a significant loss for the journalism communit