Senior journalist Payal Mehta dies in Mumbai at 46; PM, Rahul Gandhi, others mourn

Senior journalist Payal Mehta of CNN-News18 died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46. Mehta, who was known for her coverage of Parliament, the government and the BJP, was in Mumbai on a visit when she fell unwell.

Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, in a post on X, said Mehta developed uneasiness while visiting Mumbai and was taken to a hospital at around 2 am. "Before any treatment could be administered, her pulse went silent," Bhatt said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death, describing Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained "firmly connected to the ground" and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.

"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," PM Modi said in a post on X. He also remembered the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences. "My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues," he said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Mehta was a thorough professional committed to providing detailed information on various issues and described the loss of the journalist as irreplaceable for the profession.

"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.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was "deeply shocked and saddened" by Mehta's death, recalling her commitment to covering Parliament.

"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 that during Parliament sessions, Mehta would be present from early morning until late at night, following proceedings and carrying out her duties with dedication.

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.

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.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed sorrow over the death of his "journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta". "Her dedication to reporting was exemplary. Om Shanti," he said.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was "deeply shocked" by the news and recalled that he had attended Mehta's father's prayer service only a few days earlier.

"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.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he was deeply pained by Mehta's sudden death and remembered her as a 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," Fadnavis said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid tribute, recalling his long association with Mehta.

"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," Sarma said.