Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon in Lucknow. (File Photo)
Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 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”.
बाबूजी नहीं रहे
— Ashutosh Tandon (@GopalJi_Tandon) July 21, 2020
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was anguished by the news, and remembered Tandon 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,” PM Modi said, adding, “Shri Lalji Tandon was well-versed with constitutional matters. He enjoyed a long and close association with beloved Atal Ji.”
Ashutosh said the body would be taken to Gulala Ghat Chowk at 4 pm, where the last rites would be performed.
He also requested the public to pay their respects from home due to the coronavirus pandemic. “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. This will help in maintaining the social distancing as well,” Ashutosh tweeted.
— Ashutosh Tandon (@GopalJi_Tandon) July 21, 2020
In his career spanning five decades, Tandon served in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council for two terms; as an MLA in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly for three terms; as MP in the 15th Lok Sabha; and Governor of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.