Senior Journalist Payal Mehta Dies at 46 Leaders Remember Her Parliament Reporting

Senior journalist Payal Mehta, associated with CNN-News18, died in Mumbai in the early hours of Sunday at the age of 46, according to reports.

Mehta was on a visit to Mumbai when she developed uneasiness early in the morning. Senior journalist Sheela Bhatt said in a post on X that Mehta was taken to a hospital around 2 am, but her pulse stopped before treatment could be administered.

Mehta was known for her work covering Parliament, the government and the BJP. She was described by several political leaders and journalists as a dedicated professional who regularly followed parliamentary proceedings.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Mehta’s death and described her as a hardworking journalist who remained connected to the ground and brought a deep understanding of national issues to her reporting.

Modi also remembered the kindness and warmth with which Mehta interacted with people. He expressed condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

Home Minister Amit Shah described Mehta as a thorough professional committed to providing detailed information on various issues. He said the untimely death of such a talented and dedicated journalist was an irreplaceable loss to journalism.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed shock and sadness over her death and recalled her work on the Parliament beat. He said Mehta was present in Parliament from early morning until late during sessions, following proceedings and carrying out her duties.

Railways and Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed sorrow over the death of the journalist and described her dedication to reporting as exemplary.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said he was deeply shocked by the news. He recalled Mehta’s regular presence in Parliament during sessions and described her as a true professional journalist.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said he had known Mehta for a long time and recalled her energetic personality and the importance she placed on relationships.

Mehta’s death prompted condolences from several political leaders and members of the media fraternity, who remembered her for her Parliament reporting and journalism.