MP-Governor Lalji Tandon Passes Away
MP-Governor Lalji Tandon Passes Away
Varanasi: Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away at a hospital in Lucknow on Tuesday. He was 85. Tandon was ailing for some time. In view of Tandon’s illness, the UP Governor Anandiben Patel had been given the additional charge of Madhya Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Tandon. In his tweet the PM 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.” He further said, “Shri Lalji Tandon was well-versed with constitutional matters. He enjoyed a long and close association with beloved Atal Ji. In this hour of grief, my condolences to the family and well-wishers of Shri Tandon. Om Shanti”.
President Ram Nath Kovind mourned Tandon’s death. In his tweet the President 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 and acumen of a national stalwart. I deeply mourn his death. My heartfelt condolences to his family & friends.”
Tandon served as a member of UP 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 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 Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee since 1991 for four consecutive terms.
Tandon also served as Governor of Bihar. He was appointed as the 22nd Governor of Madhya Pradesh on July 20, 2019.
