MP Governor and Political heavyweight Lalji Tandon breathed his last today. He was 85. His son Ashutosh Tandon, announced his death on Twitter with the message “babuji nahi rahe (my father has passed away)”.
Tandon had been hospitalised in Lucknow in June with breathing problems, difficulty in urination and fever. He was put on ventilator support on June 11. Medanta Hospital, where he was admitted, said at the time his condition was “serious”. Tandon, the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and a veteran leader, died at a hospital early on Tuesday.
Often referred to as ‘Babuji’ by his supporters, Lalji Tandon had a dominating presence in Uttar Pradesh where he served as cabinet minister. He was elected to the Assembly multiple times.
Lalji Tandon entered politics after completing graduation and became a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council for the first time in 1978. He was elected as an MLA three times between 1996-2009 and became a minister for the first time in UP’s BJP government in 1991. He had been a minister several times since then.
The veteran leader was appointed the Bihar Governor in August 2018 and remained in the post till July 2019 and later he was appointed the governor of Madhya Pradesh.
The political world mourned his death and penned in their condolences.
President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, other ministers of the Union Cabinet and Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan expressed their condolences on the death of Lalji Tandon.
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned the death of Lalji Tandon and described him as a “legendary leader”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter: “Shri Lalji Tandon will be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society. He played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator, always giving importance to public welfare. Prime Minister Modi recalled that Lalji Tandon was an expert in constitutional matters and had a close association with former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said, “Lalji Tandon’s death was a personal loss” to him and he will always be “remembered for his contribution towards the nation’s progress”. Mr Chouhan added that Lalji Tandon always “guided” him for a long time. The Chief Minister will be going to Lucknow to attend the last rites of Lalji Tandon.
“My deepest condolences on the death of Lalji Tandon, Governor of Madhya Pradesh. May God give strength to the bereaved family,” Jyotiraditya Scindia, senior state BJP leader tweeted.
Other senior BJP leaders and ministers posted condolence messages on social media.
Lalji Tandon’s last rites will be performed at Gulala Ghat in Lucknow at 4:30 pm today.
