Odisha CM’s brother-in-law passes away

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s brother-in-law Sonny Mehta, Chairman and editor-in-chief of Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, passed away. He was 77.

“I am deeply grieved by the passing away of my brother in law Sonny Mehta (Husband of my sister Gita Mehta). He was one of the world’s best editors and an extremely civilized person. May his soul rest in peace,” tweeted Patnaik.

I am deeply grieved by the passing away of my brother in law Sonny Mehta ( Husband of my sister Gita Mehta). He was one of the world’s best editors and an extremely civilized person. May his soul rest in peace.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) December 31, 2019

Sonny Mehta had won Lifetime Achievement Awards for publishing in India, UK and United States. He was also named 2015 Person of the Year by Publishers Weekly.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the demise of Mehta.

Sonny Mehta would be fondly remembered by countless avid readers across the world. He endeared himself to many thanks to his erudite and knowledgable personality. Saddened by his demise. Condolences to Gita Ji, you, your family and his admirers. Om Shanti. https://t.co/5r8FxAHL30

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 31, 2019

PM Modi also telephoned the Odisha Chief Minister and expressed sympathy at the death Sonny Mehta and hailed him as one of the worlds’ best editors.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the chief minister over telephone and condoled the death of Sonny Mehta, brother-in-law of the chief minister,” a statement issued by the CMO said.

Odisha unit BJP president and MP Basant Kumar Panda and Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Pradipta Kumar Naik, also condoled the death.

Patnaik has decided not to celebrate New Year’s Day on Wednesday and requested the people not to visit Naveen Niwas for wishing him on the occasion.

The BJD chief, who visits the Lord Jagannath temple at Puri every year on New Year’s Day, is unlikely to do so this time.