Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies, PM Modi, Union Ministers Pay Tribute
CNN-News18 journalist Payal Mehta passed away in Mumbai early Sunday after developing sudden uneasiness; political leaders remembered her for her dedication to Parliament and national affairs.
NEW DELHI, Sep 20: Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who worked with CNN-News18 and extensively covered Parliament, the government and the BJP, passed away in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.
Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she reportedly developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was taken to a hospital around 2 am, but her condition deteriorated before treatment could begin.
Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt shared the news on X, saying Mehta had developed uneasiness during her Mumbai visit and was rushed to hospital.
Known for her extensive coverage of Parliament and national political affairs, Mehta was widely regarded by colleagues as a dedicated and hardworking journalist. Her death prompted condolences from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and several other political leaders.
Prime Minister Modi described Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained closely connected with developments on the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. He also remembered her for her kindness and warmth towards people.
Modi expressed his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues, saying her sudden and untimely death was deeply saddening.
Home Minister Amit Shah described Mehta as a thorough professional committed to providing detailed information on important issues. He said her death was a major loss to journalism and extended his condolences to her family and friends.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply shocked and saddened by Mehta’s passing. He recalled her commitment to the Parliament beat, noting that she regularly worked from early morning until late at night during parliamentary sessions.
Railways and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also mourned her death, describing her dedication to journalism as exemplary.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed shock over the news and recalled Mehta’s regular presence in Parliament during sessions. He described her as a true professional and offered prayers for her departed soul.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute to Mehta, recalling her energetic personality and the importance she placed on personal relationships. He conveyed his condolences to her family and prayed for strength for them during the difficult period.
