Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies at 46

Senior journalist Payal Mehta died on Sunday at the age of 46 after she suddenly fell unwell during a visit to Mumbai. Her unexpected death has led to an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, journalists and colleagues across the country.

According to journalist Sheela Bhatt, Mehta developed uneasiness in the early hours of Sunday and was taken to a hospital around 2 am. Bhatt said that Mehta’s condition deteriorated before treatment could begin.

Mehta was a senior journalist with CNN-News18 and was widely known for her reporting on national politics and Parliament. Colleagues remembered her as a committed reporter who maintained close contact with developments on the ground and brought extensive knowledge of political affairs to her work.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over her sudden death and described her as a hardworking journalist who remained closely connected with the ground realities while covering national issues. He conveyed his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Mehta, describing her as a thorough professional who was committed to providing detailed information on important issues. He said her death was a significant loss to journalism.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recalled Mehta’s dedication to covering Parliament and said she had left the profession far too soon. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed condolences, describing her as a diligent journalist with a strong understanding of public affairs.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said her death was a profound loss to journalism.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Mehta was known for her dedication and recalled meeting her regularly during her visits to New Delhi. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed grief, remembering her as an energetic journalist who valued her professional and personal relationships.

Mehta’s death has been widely mourned across the journalism community, with colleagues remembering her for her political reporting, field work and commitment to the profession.