Payal Mehta, a senior journalist with CNN-News18, passed away in the early hours of Sunday in Mumbai. She was 46.

According to a PTI report, Mehta was on a visit to Mumbai when she developed uneasiness early in the morning. She was rushed to a hospital, where she later passed away. Her sudden death has drawn condolences from political leaders and colleagues across the country.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and several other Union ministers condoled her death.

Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt, in a post on X, said Mehta developed uneasiness during her visit to Mumbai and was taken to hospital around 2 am. Bhatt said that before any treatment could be administered, Mehta’s pulse had stopped.

Mehta was known as a hardworking journalist who covered Parliament, the government and the BJP. Her work on the Parliament beat saw her regularly follow proceedings and political developments closely.

Prime Minister Modi described Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting. He said that beyond her professional work, she would be remembered for the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.

“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,” Modi said in a post on X.

Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences, describing Mehta as a thorough professional who was committed to providing detailed information on various issues. He said the passing of such a talented journalist was an irreplaceable loss to the field of journalism.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and sadness over Mehta’s death, saying she had left “far too soon”. He recalled her dedication to covering Parliament and said she carried out her responsibilities with commitment and professionalism.

Singh noted that during Parliament sessions, Mehta would be present from early morning until late at night, closely following proceedings and continuing with her reporting duties.

“My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in this difficult hour. May they find the strength to bear this irreparable loss. Om Shanti,” he said.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Mehta as a hardworking and diligent journalist with a keen understanding of public affairs. He said her untimely passing was deeply distressing and extended his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed sadness over her demise and offered his sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said Mehta’s passing was a profound loss to journalism and prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for her bereaved family.

Union Minister for Railways and Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed his sorrow over the passing of “journalist and dear friend Payal Mehta”, describing her dedication to reporting as exemplary.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news of Mehta’s passing. Recalling her regular presence in Parliament during sessions, Rijiju said he had attended her 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 the sudden demise of the journalist. Recalling his interactions with Mehta in New Delhi, he said she was always on the field and would be remembered for her dedication to journalism.

“My deepest condolences to her family and friends,” Fadnavis said.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also expressed grief over Mehta’s passing, saying he had known her for a long time. He described her as someone who was full of life and brought infectious energy to everything she did.

Sarma said that while Mehta was deeply dedicated to her work, what stood out most was the importance she placed on her relationships.

Conveying his deepest condolences to Mehta’s family, Sarma said he prayed they would find the strength to navigate the difficult phase. “Prayers for her sadgati. Om Shanti,” he said.

Mehta’s sudden passing has been widely mourned across political and media circles, with leaders and colleagues remembering her for her dedication to journalism, her regular presence on the Parliament beat and her professional commitment to reporting.