Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon dies at 85

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon, who was admitted to a hospital few days ago, died on Tuesday (July 21). He was 85. Lalji Tandon's son Ashutosh Tandon confirmed the news on twitter.

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon, who was admitted to a hospital few days ago, died on Tuesday (July 21) at a hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. He was 85. Lalji Tandon's son Ashutosh Tandon confirmed the news on twitter.

बाबूजी नहीं रहे — Ashutosh Tandon (@GopalJi_Tandon) July 21, 2020

Tandon was admitted to a private hospital in Lucknow with breathing problems and fever. He was put on critical care ventilator support few days ago, PTI reporterd.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has been given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh after Tandon's illness.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Tandon and said, "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."

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 of public welfare. Anguished by his passing away. pic.twitter.com/6GeYOb5ApI

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 21, 2020

President Ram Nath Kovind mourned Tandon's death and said, "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 & friends."

Union Minister Smriti Irani has expressed grief over Tandon's demise and said, "I am pained to hear about the sad demise of Shri Lalji Tandon. A stalwart , Babuji helped pave the way for many youngsters, guiding us gently on our ideological journey. My condolences to Gopal bhaiya & family. Om Shanti." 

Born on April 12, 1935, Tandon was one of the veteran leaders of the BJP and was a protege of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Tandon served as a member of Uttar Pradesh Vidhan Parishad (Legislative Council) for two terms, 1978–84 and remained the Leader of House, of the Council, 1990–96. He also remained a member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) for three terms, 1996–2009, and remained the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, 2003–07. He had also served as Urban Development minister in the Uttar Pradesh cabinet under Mayawati when BSP-BJP alliance was in power and also in CM Kalyan Singh's cabinet.

In May 2009, Tandon was elected to the 15th Lok Sabha from Lucknow after he defeated then Congress candidate Rita Bahuguna Joshi. The seat was earlier held by former BJP President Atal Bihari Vajpayee since 1991 for four consecutive terms. 

Tandon also served as Governor of Bihar and was lauded for streamlining academic activities of the state universities. He was appointed as the 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh on July 20, 2019.