NEW DELHI (Rajeev Sharma): Senior journalist and CNN-News18 Assistant Editor Payal Mehta died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.
Mehta, who was in Mumbai on a visit, reportedly developed uneasiness late on Saturday night. She was taken to a hospital at around 2 am, where she died before treatment could be administered, according to accounts shared following her death.
Her sudden death prompted an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, journalists and colleagues who remembered her for her extensive coverage of Parliament, government and national politics.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Mehta as a hardworking journalist with a strong connection to ground-level reporting and an understanding of national issues. He also recalled the warmth and kindness she extended to people around her while expressing condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah remembered her as a thorough professional committed to providing detailed coverage of public affairs. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tribute to Mehta, recalling her dedication to the Parliament beat and her presence during long sessions.
Leaders across political spectrum mourn
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed grief over the journalist’s death and described her as diligent and well-versed in public affairs. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also conveyed his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said her passing represented a loss for journalism and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
Union ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw and Kiren Rijiju were also among those who mourned her death. Vaishnaw remembered Mehta as a journalist and friend whose commitment to reporting was exemplary.
Rijiju recalled seeing Mehta regularly during Parliament sessions and described her as a professional journalist. He also referred to the recent prayer service for her father, which he had attended.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mehta’s dedication to journalism would be remembered, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recalled knowing her for many years and spoke of her energy and the importance she placed on personal relationships.
A career centred on national affairs
Mehta had built a substantial career covering India’s political and policy landscape. Her recent work included reporting on government decisions, Parliament, public policy and national issues. Her professional profile lists her as an Assistant Editor with CNN-News18, with a long record of published work for the organisation.
Her passing has been widely mourned across the media fraternity, with colleagues and public figures remembering a journalist whose career was closely associated with the daily workings of India’s political establishment.
Mehta is survived by her family. Her sudden death at 46 has left colleagues and friends mourning the loss of a familiar presence from the national news and Parliament beats.
