Madhya Pradesh Governor, Lal Ji Tandon, passes away at 85
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lal Ji Tandon passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 85, his son Ashutosh Tandon announced on Twitter. Tandon was hospitalized in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, since June after he complained of breathing problems and fever. Among those who expressed condolences were Prime Minister Narendra Modi, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh.
In career spanning decades, he remained MLA, MP, and Governor
Born in Lucknow, Tandon was associated with politics for nearly five decades. He was elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly three times between 1996 and 2009. He was also a parliamentarian in the 15th Lok Sabha. He served at the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council for two terms — 1978 to 1984, and 1990 to 1996. Tandon also served as a governor of Bihar.
"Babuji nahi rahe"
Last rites at 4 pm, family made appeal to well-wishers
Ashutosh also informed that his father's mortal remains will be taken to Gulala Ghat Chowk around 4 pm for the last rites. However, he urged well-wishers to pay respects from their homes. "Keeping in mind the coronavirus pandemic, I request you to follow rules and regulations announced by the administration and pay your tributes to my father from your own houses," his tweet read.
He was close to Atal Ji, wrote PM Modi
In a tweet, PM Modi wrote the senior leader will be remembered for his efforts to serve the society. "He played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator," he tweeted. PM Modi also remembered the close ties which Tandon shared with the late PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Condolences to the family and well-wishers: PM Modi
Rajnath Singh remembered sociable nature; Adityanath called him "Lucknow's life"
Calling the demise "painful," Rajnath Singh said he had the opportunity to work with Tandon. "Tandonji was highly sociable by nature and also very popular among the activists. People of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh still appreciate the development work done by him in various positions," he tweeted. Adityanath released a press note calling the departed leader the "life of Lucknow."
MP CM Chouhan said he received fatherly love from Tandon
Union Minister Smriti Irani said Tandon paved the path for many youngsters. Separately, in a series of tweets, MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan said he received fatherly love from Tandon and added that the void will never be filled. Congress' Digvijaya Singh also expressed condolences while adding, "The generation of the BJP/ RSS involved in the service of people is now ending."
