Senior journalist Payal Mehta passes away in Mumbai at 46

MUMBAI: Senior journalist Payal Mehta, who was associated with CNN-News18, passed away in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.

According to reports, Mehta was visiting Mumbai when she developed uneasiness and was taken to a hospital around 2 am. She died before treatment could be administered. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed.

Mehta was known for her work covering Parliament, the government and the BJP. Her sudden death prompted condolences from political leaders and journalists across the country.

Her sudden death prompted condolences from political leaders across the spectrum, as well as colleagues from the media fraternity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mehta as a hardworking and dedicated journalist who remained closely connected with the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.

“Beyond her work, she will be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched so many lives,” Modi said in a post on X, adding that her sudden passing was deeply saddening.

Amit Shah also paid tribute, describing Mehta as a thorough professional committed to bringing detailed information on issues to her readers and viewers. He said her death was an irreplaceable loss to journalism.

Rajnath Singh recalled her commitment to the Parliament beat, saying she would often be present from early morning until late at night during parliamentary sessions.

“She was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism,” Rajnath Singh said.

Mallikarjun Kharge remembered Mehta as a hardworking and diligent journalist with a keen understanding of public affairs, while Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Om Birla described her passing as a profound loss to journalism.

Tributes also came from Ashwini Vaishnaw, who referred to Mehta as a journalist and dear friend, and Kiren Rijiju, who recalled regularly seeing her in Parliament during sessions.

Devendra Fadnavis remembered Mehta for her dedication to journalism and said she would meet him when he was in New Delhi and was always out in the field.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, who said he had known Mehta for a long time, remembered her as someone full of life and energy who placed great value on relationships alongside her professional commitment.

The tributes followed news of Mehta’s sudden passing on Sunday morning, with colleagues and public figures remembering her contribution to political and parliamentary journalism.