State mourning has been declared in the State for five days from July 21 to 25 following the demise of Governor Lalji Tandon. All Government offices remained closed on Tuesday. Giving this information in Cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that the Cabinet meeting today has been postponed without any discussion on any issues as a mark of respect to Late Shri Tandon. The Cabinet will meet on July 22.
Chief Minister Chouhan informed that the national flag will flow at half-mast in the State. No entertainment programmes will be organized in the State during the State mourning period. Instructions are being sent to all districts in this regard. Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that he is going to Lucknow to pay homage to Late Tandon on behalf of the people of Madhya Pradesh. The entire Cabinet observed two-minute silence to pay tributes to Late Governor Tandon.
Chief Minister Chouhan said that the sad news of Governor Shri Lalji Tandon’s demise came this morning. He remained engaged in the service of the nation throughout his life. His contributions will always be remembered. Tandon was a symbol of purity in public life. As Governor of Madhya Pradesh, he always gave guidance and inspiration in public interest. We have all seen the innovations he had suggested in the field of higher education. Not only did he get the gaushala operated in Raj Bhavan, but he himself used to say that I will ensure that this experiment is a success. He used to greet every visitor wholeheartedly. He always gave priority to mutual harmony and relations in politics. He viewed politics is a medium of service. Whichever party it is, everyone should serve the nation together.
Chouhan said that Lalji Tandon, born on April 12, 1935, lived a public life of social service of seven decades with great spirit. He established deep rapport with all sections of the society. He personified the unwavering spirit of taking everyone along and working in social interest by remaining an Ajatshatru (one who has no enemy). A unending series of public welfare works are included in his account due to his continuous activities. He was among those few mass leaders who practiced national service and moral values through politics and realized the Indian concept of Antyodaya.
The Chief Minister said that when Tandon reached the Legislative Council in the year 1978 with such a lofty, wide and austere background of public life, he left his mark there too and gave new heights to parliamentary dignities. Apart from being a two-time member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council, he also played the role of Leader of the House. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly thrice. As Leader of Opposition there, he told people how the voices of protest should be and how the government can be compelled to listen to public voice even while being polite.