Bhopal, Jul 21 (IANS): Political leaders paid tributes to Madhya Pradesh governor Lalji Tandon who passed away at a hospital in Lucknow on Tuesday following prolonged illness. He was 85.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said as governor of MP Lalji Tandon always inspired us to follow the virtuous path. His love for the nation and his contribution to the development of the state will be remembered forever.

"The soul is immortal. He is not among us today, but he will always live in our memories through his thoughts. I pray to God to give peace to the departed soul and give the grieving family the strength to bear this irreparable loss," Chouhan added.

Paying tributes to Tandon, BJP state president Vishnu Datt Sharma said the late leader was not just the governor but played a stellar role in upholding the rule of law. He was a guide for people of all classes. Lalji Tandon was the political and natural heir of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, Sharma added.

State public works minister Gopal Bhargava also condoled the death of the governor, saying, "Tandanji, who had journeyed from a Councillor to Parliament and Parliament to Raj Bhavan, identified himself as an outspoken politician. His contribution to the development and expansion of the BJP is incredible. We have lost a skilled politician and guide with his demise."

Congress MP from Chhindwara Nakul Nath offered condolences on the death of Tandon saying, "May God bless him and give the bereaved family the strength to bear the sorrow."