Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment in a private hospital in Lucknow. He was 85.
“Babuji nahi rahe [father is no more],” Ashutosh Tandon, a Minister in the Uttar Pradesh government, wrote on Twitter.
Mr. Lalji Tandon was admitted to Medanta Lucknow on June 11 after he complained of breathing problem, difficulty in urination and fever, the Raj Bhavan had said.
Also read: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel given additional charge of Madhya Pradesh
“With extreme sadness we inform that that my father Lalji Tandon passed away at 5.35 a.m. on Tuesday,” wrote Mr. Ashutosh. He appealed to people to pay their respects from their homes so that social distancing norms were followed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During investigations, he was diagnosed with chronic liver disease, said the hospital in a statement. “Because of his multiple ailments, he was put on life-support system. A team of medical experts made all efforts for his survival,” it said.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said Madhya Pradesh would observe a five-day mourning from July 21, during which no entertainment programmes would be held. “Mr. Tandon was a symbol of uprightness in public life. As a Governor, he always gave direction and inspiration in public interest,” said Mr. Chouhan, and adjourned a meeting of the Council of Ministers. Later, he flew to Lucknow along with BJP State president V.D. Sharma to pay his respects.
Born on April 12, 1935, Mr. Tandon was a member of the U.P. Legislature Council for two terms and a member of the Legislative Assembly thrice. He has served as a Minister in the State government. He was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Lucknow in 2009, and later appointed the Governor of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.
During his absence, U.P. Governor Anandiben Patel took the additional charge of M.P. earlier this month.
PM’s condolence
Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter Mr. Lalji Tandon would 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 of pubic welfare. Anguished by his passing away,” he said.
Mr. Modi pointed out that Mr. Tandon was well-versed in constitutional matters. “He enjoyed a long and close association with beloved Atalji [Vajpayee].”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Twitter that he got the opportunity to work with Mr. Tandon for a long period. “His long public life was dedicated to the service of people and he left behind a unique imprint through his work,” he noted.
