Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi dies after cardiac arrest

The Congress leader would have celebrated his 54th birthday next month.

He had even participated in a television debate earlier in the day but right after the show, he complained of chest pains.

Minutes later he fell unconscious and was rushed to the Yashoda Hospital in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad.

However, doctors could not revive him.

His last tweet was on Wednesday afternoon only where he urged his supporters to watch him live on TV at 5 PM.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lamented the death and said the party lost a valiant leader.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra took to Twitter to express her grief and called the demise a personal loss.

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

The Congress said it was "deeply saddened" by the death of Tyagi and called him "a true patriot."

"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 wrote on Twitter.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot condoled Tyagi's death and tweeted: "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."

Expressing shock, senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said it was a 'real loss' for the Congress party.

"Deeply shocked. He had been in touch just recently & was doing a terrific job speaking for inclusive & progressive politics. A real loss for @incIndia. Mourning #RajivTyagi @RTforINDIA. Om Shanti."

Rajasthan Congress leader Sachin Pilot tweeted that he was "deeply saddened" to hear about Tyagi's death.

"Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Rajiv Tyagiji. May his soul find eternal peace. My condolences to his family and loved ones," Pilot tweeted.

Karnataka Congress chief DK Shivakumar also called Tyagi a "dedicated Congressman" and psoted: "Deeply saddened to know of the untimely demise of our national spokesperson, Rajiv Tyagi. He was a dedicated Congressman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends."

(Image Credit: INC Twitter Page)