Senior journalist Payal Mehta’s sudden death in Mumbai at the age of 46 drew condolences from political leaders across the spectrum, who remembered her for her professionalism, dedication and understanding of national affairs.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sadness over Mehta’s demise and remembered her as a professional journalist who remained committed to providing detailed information to readers and viewers.
He described her untimely death as an ‘irreplaceable loss’ to journalism and offered condolences to her family and friends.
Deeply saddened by the demise of senior journalist Payal Mehta Ji.
A thorough professional, committed to sharing every detail of information about an issue with her readers and viewers, and a person with a warm personality, was what defined her. The untimely passing of such a…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 20, 2026
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also expressed shock over Mehta’s passing. Recalling her regular presence in Parliament during sessions, Rijiju described her as a true professional and offered prayers for her departed soul.
I’m extremely shocked by the news of Payal Mehta’s passing away!
Had just attended her father’s prayer service a few days ago.
Payal used to be as regular as me in Parliament during sessions. She was a true professional journalist.
Heartfelt prayers for her departed soul ॐ शांति pic.twitter.com/ZKLClGRJmm— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) September 20, 2026
BJP president Nitin Nabin also paid tribute to Mehta, recalling her hard work and sharp understanding of national issues. He said her passing marked a significant loss for the media fraternity.
Saddened by the sudden passing of journalist Payal Mehta Ji. She was known for her hard work, bringing a sharp understanding of national issues and a unique warmth to everyone she connected with.
Her untimely passing is a great loss to the media fraternity. My heartfelt…
— Nitin Nabin (@NitinNabin) September 20, 2026
Union Minister JP Nadda remembered Mehta as a talented and passionate journalist who remained dedicated to her profession. He also highlighted her kind-hearted nature while extending condolences to her family and friends.
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of journalist Payal Mehta. A talented and passionate journalist, she will be remembered for her dedication to her profession and her kind-hearted nature.
Her untimely passing is an irreparable loss to the entire journalism fraternity. My…
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 20, 2026
Other Leaders
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over Mehta’s untimely death. He recalled her work covering Parliament and offered his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Saddened by the untimely demise of journalist Payal Mehta ji, who covered Parliament.
My sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 20, 2026
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh recalled knowing Mehta for nearly two decades and remembered her for her breaking news reports during Parliament sessions. He also noted her earlier work as a sports journalist before she established herself as a political reporter.
Shocking news that Payal Mehta passed away a few hours back in Mumbai. I had first met her about 18 years ago. She kept me on my toes always with her Breaking News especially when Parliament used to be in session. She was a very hardworking and jolly person who had begun her…
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) September 20, 2026
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also mourned Mehta’s death, recalling her efforts to go the extra mile for a story. He said she had travelled to Andhra Pradesh several times for ground reporting and remembered her enthusiasm, commitment to journalism and warm personality.
Deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Payal Mehta, senior journalist, Network18.
Payal was a sincere and dedicated journalist who always went the extra mile for a story. She travelled to Andhra Pradesh on several occasions to report from the ground, and whenever… pic.twitter.com/knppy8rJ6O
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) September 20, 2026
Mehta, an Assistant Editor with CNN-News18, was known for covering Parliament, government affairs and national issues.
Also Read: Journalist Payal Mehta Dies In Mumbai; PM Modi Mourns Her Demise
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