Congress Leader Rajiv Tyagi Dies, Priyanka Gandhi Tweets "Personal Sorrow"

Congress leader and spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi died on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. He was 52 years old.

Mr Tyagi, who participated in a television debate from his residence in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad shortly before he complained of chest pains and fell unconscious, was rushed to the Yashoda Hospital where, according to news agency PTI, where doctors tried unsuccessfully to revive him.

Mr Tyagi is survived by his wife and two sons. His last tweet, posted at 3.41 PM, was to urge his supporters to watch him live on TV at 5 PM.

According to PTI, after the debate he asked for some tea. When it was brought to him, however, he did not respond. A local doctor was then called but after efforts to resuscitate him failed, Mr Tyagi was taken to the hospital.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi spoke to Mr Tyagi's wife to express her condolences and recall his contributions to the party. Party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and her brother, Rahul Gandhi, led the tributes on social media.

"The untimely death of Rajiv Tyagi, spokesperson of the Indian National Congress, is a personal sorrow for me. We all have irreparable damage," Ms Gandhi Vadra tweeted.

"Rajivji was a dedicated warrior. Heartfelt condolences to the family from all UP Congress. May God give his family the strength to suffer," she added.

Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Congress has lost one of its tigers today. Congress will forever remember his love for the party and struggles. I pay my homage to him and condolences to his family".

The party and several of its senior faces, including Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot, Kerala Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor and Karnataka chief DK Shivakumar also offered condolences.

"We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Rajiv Tyagi, a staunch Congressman and a true patriot. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends in this time of grief," the party said.

We are deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shri Rajiv Tyagi. A staunch Congressman & a true patriot. Our thoughts and prayers are with his families & friends in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/yHKSlzPwbX

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 12, 2020

"He served the party dedicatedly. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends. May they remain strong in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace," Mr Gehlot said.

Saddened to know of untimely demise of INC national spokesperson, Sh. Rajiv Tyagi. He served the party dedicatedly. My heartfelt condolences to his family members & friends. May they remain strong in this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.

— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 12, 2020

Mr Tharoor said Rajiv Tyagi was a "real loss" for the Congress and wrote: "Deeply shocked. He had been in touch just recently and was doing a terrific job speaking for inclusive and progressive politics".

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal said: "Saddened and shocked to hear about the sudden demise of our colleague and national spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace".

Saddened & shocked to hear about the sudden demise of our colleague & @INCIndia national spokesperson Shri Rajiv Tyagi. My condolences to his family and friends in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.

— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) August 12, 2020

Opposition leaders also paid their respect, with Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav calling his death "a huge loss" and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declaring himself "stunned".

"Shocking! The death of Congress'' spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi is a huge loss. May his soul rest in peace and family have the strength to bear this loss," Akhilesh Yadav tweeted.

"Shocked and stunned at death of Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi. May God give the departed soul a place at his feet and strength to his family to face this loss. Om Shanti!" Shivraj Singh Chouhan said.

Rajiv Tyagi will be cremated Thursday morning at Hindon Crematorium in Ghaziabad, unnamed party sources told PTI.

With input from PTI