Congress leader Rajiv Tyagi died on Wednesday due to cardiac arrest. Tyagi was party’s general secretary and spokesperson for its Uttar Pradesh unit. Tyagi died in Ghaziabad.

“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,” Congress tweeted.

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi, who is also party in charge for Uttar Pradesh East said Tyagi’s death was a personal loss to her.

“The untimely demise of Rajiv Tyagi, spokesperson for the Indian National Congress, is a personal loss to me. He cannot be replaced. Rajiv ji was a warrior dedicated to ideology,” Priyanka said in her tweet.

BJP leader Sambit Patra expressed shock at Tyagi’s demise saying he had participated in a television debate with him minutes earlier.

“Can’t believe that my friend and Congress spokesperson @RT For India is no longer with us. We had debated together on Aaj Tak on the 5pm show earlier today. Life is very unpredictable. I can’t find words still,” Patra said.

Earlier today, Tyagi had tweeted that he will appear on Hindi news channel AAJ Tak at 5pm.

NCP leader Nawab Malik, too, offered his condolences on Rajiv Tyagi’s demise.

“Saddened to hear about the demise of @RTforIndia, National spokesperson of @INCIndia. Prayers, strength and condolences to the family and close ones in the hour of grief,” Malik’s tweet said.

Senior Maharashtra Congress leader Balasaheb Thorat also described Rajiv Tyagi’s death as shocking.

“The news of the sudden demise of Congress leader Shri. Rajiv Tyagi is extremely shocking and saddening. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.