'Effective administrator': PM Modi pens tribute to Lalji Tandon, expresses grief over MP Governor's demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed condolences over the demise of Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon.

"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 to public welfare. Anguished by his passing away," the Prime Minister tweeted.

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

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also paid his tributes to the late MP Governor. Singh said that Tandon devoted his life to the service of the people, and residents of Uttar Pradesh still appreciate his work.

"The news of the demise of Shri Lalji Tandon, Governor of Madhya Pradesh and a powerful personality of Uttar Pradesh, is very painful. With Tandonji I had the opportunity to work for a long time. His long public life has been devoted to the service of the public and he has left a distinct mark on his work," he tweeted.

"Tandonji, highly sociable by nature, was also very popular among workers. People of Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh still appreciate the development work done by him in various positions. May God provide patience and strength to all bereaved families in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!" he said in another tweet.

Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted: "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."

Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon passed away on Tuesday at the age of 85 after a prolonged illness. His last rites will be performed at Gulala Ghat in Lucknow at 4:30 pm today.

Tandon had been undergoing treatment hospital since June 11 after complaining of breathing problems, difficulty in urination, and fever.

Anandiben Patel, the incumbent governor of Uttar Pradesh, had also assumed the charge of the post of the governor of Madhya Pradesh as well. The appointment was made by President Ram Nath Kovind last month in view of the poor health conditions of the erstwhile Madhya Pradesh Governor, Lal Ji Tandon.

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 the 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 the 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.