Congress spokesperson Rajiv Tyagi (53) passed away on Wednesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. The Congress leader had attended a television debate at 5 p.m. and complained of chest pain soon after the programme ended. He then fell unconscious and was rushed to the Yashoda Hospital, where doctors pronounced him dead.

A resident of Ghaziabad, Tyagi was a member of the Uttar Pradesh Congress before becoming the party's national spokesperson. The Congress in a statement said, "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 hour of grief."

Rahul Gandhi also tweeted, "Congress has lost one of its tigers today. Congress will forever remember his love for the party and struggles. I pay my homage to him and condolences to his family".

Congress leader Jitin Prasada said, "I am shocked and deeply saddened by his untimely demise." BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said, "I can't believe that my friend Rajiv Tyagi is not with us any more. He was in a debate with me at 5 pm Life is uncertain."

(With inputs from IANS)