Journalist Payal Mehta passed away in Mumbai early Sunday at the age of 46, prompting condolences from political leaders and members of the media fraternity.
According to her colleagues, Mehta developed uneasiness late on Saturday night and was rushed to a hospital at around 2 AM.
However, doctors could not find a pulse when she arrived, and she died before treatment could begin.
Mehta worked as an Assistant Editor with CNN-News18 and covered Parliament and national affairs during her journalism career.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over Mehta’s sudden death in a post on X. He described her as a hardworking journalist who remained closely connected with the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.
PM Modi also remembered Mehta for her kindness and warmth towards others and offered condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing 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. Her sudden and… pic.twitter.com/4uG7MmzGol
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2026
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed shock and sadness over her untimely passing.
He recalled Mehta’s commitment to covering the Parliament beat, saying she followed parliamentary proceedings with dedication and professionalism, often working from early morning until late at night during sessions.
Deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the untimely passing of journalist Payal Mehta. She has left us far too soon.
Payal was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism. During Parliament…
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 20, 2026
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also paid tribute to Mehta, describing her as a hardworking and diligent journalist with a keen understanding of public affairs.
Kharge expressed his condolences to Mehta’s family, friends and colleagues and prayed for them to find strength during this difficult time.
Deeply saddened by the passing of Payal Mehta ji. A hardworking and diligent journalist, she covered Parliament and had a keen understanding of public affairs. Her untimely passing is deeply distressing.
My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they… pic.twitter.com/YGWN2IvgSY
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) September 20, 2026
Mehta’s sudden demise has left colleagues, political leaders and members of the journalism community mourning the loss of a journalist remembered for her dedication to Parliament and national affairs.
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