Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passes away

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon, a veteran political figure in Uttar Pradesh where he had served as a cabinet minister, died at a hospital here early Tuesday.

The 85-year-old was admitted to the hospital on June 11 with breathing problems, fever and difficulty in urination.

The condition of Madhya Pradesh Governor was serious, according to a medical bulletin issued on Friday. "The condition of Lalji Tandon is serious but under control. He is still on critical care ventilatory support through tracheotomy and is currently under the strict supervision of critical care specialists," Medanta Hospital's Medical Director Rakesh Kapoor said in the medical bulletin.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and BSP President Mayawati also expressed grief over Tandon's death.

The UP government has announced three days mourning as a mark of respect to Lalji Tandon, a former cabinet minister, a government spokesman said.

Belonging to the Atal Bihari Vajpayee and L K Advani era of BJP leaders, Lalji Tandon proved himself as an able administrator during his decades-long political career in Uttar Pradesh.

A former Lok Sabha MP, he was later given gubernatorial responsibility.

He took oath as Madhya Pradesh governor on July 29, 2019, when the Congress was in power in the state, after serving in the same post in Bihar for nearly 11 months.

"In the passing away of Madhya Pradesh Governor Shri Lal Ji Tandon, we have lost a legendary leader who combined cultural sophistication of Lucknow&acumen of a national stalwart. I deeply mourn his death. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet.

Condoling the demise of the governor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he will be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society.

In a series of tweets, Modi recalled that Lalji Tandon played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Uttar Pradesh.

"Shri Lalji Tandon will be remembered for his untiring efforts to serve society. He played a key role in strengthening BJP in Uttar Pradesh. He made a mark as an effective administrator, always giving importance of public welfare. Anguished by his passing away," PM Modi said in a tweet.