Senior journalist Payal Mehta dies at 46; PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi offer condolences
Mehta was known for her coverage of Parliament, the government and the BJP. She was in Mumbai on a visit when she fell ill.
PTC News Desk: Senior journalist Payal Mehta of CNN-News18 died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday. She was 46.
Mehta was known for her coverage of Parliament, the government and the BJP. She was in Mumbai on a visit when she fell ill.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled her death, describing Mehta as a hardworking journalist who remained "firmly connected to the ground" and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.
Payal Mehta Ji was a hardworking journalist who remained firmly connected to the ground, bringing a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 20, 2026
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
"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," PM Modi said in a post on X. He also remembered the kindness and warmth with which she touched many lives.
Several political leaders expressed grief over her death. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered his condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah described Mehta as a dedicated journalist who worked to provide detailed information on important issues. He said her death was a major loss to the journalism profession.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by her death and remembered her commitment to covering Parliament.
“Payal was an extremely hardworking and dedicated journalist who covered the Parliament beat with great commitment and professionalism,” Singh said.
He recalled that during Parliament sessions, Mehta would often be present from early morning until late at night, closely following proceedings and carrying out her reporting duties.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge described Mehta as a hardworking journalist with a strong understanding of public affairs.
“Her untimely passing is deeply distressing. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. May they find strength in this difficult hour,” Kharge said.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also expressed grief, calling her death a major loss to journalism. He prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for her family.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed sorrow over the death of his “journalist and dear friend” Payal Mehta. He said her dedication to journalism was exemplary and offered his condolences.