Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85

Lucknow, July 21

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon, a veteran political figure in Uttar Pradesh where he had served as a cabinet minister, died at a hospital here early on Tuesday.

The 85-year-old was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with breathing problems, fever and difficulty in urination.

He died at 5.35 am in Medanata Hospital, according to his son Ashutosh Tandon, a UP cabinet minister.

Lalji Tandon is survived by wife and three sons.

His body will be kept at his official residence in Hazratganj and later at his Sindhi Tola residence to enable people to pay their last respects.

The last journey will start at 4 in the evening for the Gulala Ghat where his last rites will be performed later in the day, Ashutosh Tandon said in a statement.

Condoling the demise of the governor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society.

In a series of tweets, Modi recalled that Lalji Tandon played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP President Mayawati also expressed grief over Tandon's death.

The UP government has announced three days’ mourning as a mark of respect to Tandon, a former cabinet minister, a government spokesman said.

Belonging to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and LK Advani era of BJP leaders, Tandon proved himself as an able administrator during his decades-long political career in Uttar Pradesh.

A former Lok Sabha MP, he was later given gubernatorial responsibility.

He took oath as Madhya Pradesh governor on July 29, 2019, when the Congress was in power in the state, after serving in the same post in Bihar for nearly 11 months. PTI

Tandon always inspired us to follow path of goodness: Chouhan    

Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday condoled the death of state governor Lalji Tandon, saying he would always be remembered for his contribution towards the nation's progress.

Expressing grief over his death, Chouhan, in a series of tweets, said, “As the governor of Madhya Pradesh, he always inspired us to follow the path of goodness. He will be remembered for his contribution in the progress of the nation. Though, he is no more with us, he will be in our memories forever."

"He guided all of us for a long time and served the nation and the people by presenting an amazing example. He also played an important role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh,” he said.

Chouhan will go to Lucknow to attend the last rites of Tandon.

Madhya Pradesh Home Minister Narottam Mishra also expressed grief at the demise of the governor. He prayed for the departed soul.

Former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Digvijaya Singh in his condolence message said, "The generation of BJP/RSS leaders with a character to serve the people is ending now. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and enough strength to the family to bear the loss."

Madhya Pradesh Public Works Department Minister Gopal Bhargava said Tandon was a fearless leader and his contribution to the nation is unparalleled.

State Agriculture Minister Kamal Patel termed Tandon's death as an irreparable loss for the state and the country.

BJP general secretary in-charge of West Bengal Kailash Vijaywargiya, Madhya Pradesh party unit president Vishnu Dutt Sharma and state ministers Vishwas Sarang and Ramkishore Kanvre also expressed their condolences. PTI

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