Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was taken from AIIMS to her Delhi residence, where they will be kept till 12 pm tomorrow for people to pay last respects.
Sushma Swaraj (File Photo: IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over the demise of former foreign minister and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj late on Tuesday.
Taking to Twitter, Modi said, “A glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end”. “India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of poor.”
In a series of tweets, PM Modi remembered Swaraj as an “outstanding Parliamentarian” who was “admired and revered across party lines”.
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Acknowledging the former foreign minister’s contribution to the BJP, Modi said Sushma Swaraj was “uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the party”.
Sushma Ji was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian. She was admired and revered across party lines.
She was uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the BJP, whose growth she immensely contributed to.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
He said, Sushma, as an excellent administrator, set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations, the Prime Minister tweeted.
He further noted her compassionate side of helping distressed Indians abroad.
An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations. As a Minister we also saw her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
The Prime Minister further remembered how the leader had worked tirelessly as the External Affairs Minister despite being in poor health, while describing her spirit and commitment as “unparalleled”.
I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her Ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
PM Modi also offered his condolences to Sushma’s family, supporters and admirers.
Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
Earlier in the evening, Swaraj had put out a tweet congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre’s bold move to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the border state into two Union Territories secured Parliament’s approval.
“Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime,” she said.
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over the passing of Sushma Swaraj saying that she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India.
Extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Smt Sushma Swaraj. The country has lost a much loved leader who epitomised dignity, courage & integrity in public life. Ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2019
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted condolences.
पूर्व विदेश मंत्री और भाजपा की वरिष्ठ नेता व संसदीय बोर्ड की सदस्य श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज जी के आकस्मिक निधन से मन अत्यंत दुखी है।
उन्होंने एक प्रखर वक्ता, एक आदर्श कार्यकर्ता, लोकप्रिय जनप्रतिनिधि व एक कर्मठ मंत्री जैसे विभिन्न रूपों में भारतीय राजनीति में अपनी अमिट छाप छोड़ी है।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 6, 2019
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his grief over the demise of the extraordinary leader.
I’m shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji, an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator & an exceptional Parliamentarian, with friendships across party lines.
My condolences to her family in this hour of grief.
May her soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti 🙏
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2019
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said Swaraj’s death was a huge loss to the country and offered his heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members.
Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Smt. Sushma Swaraj. Her death is a huge loss to the country & personal loss to me. She was an excellent administrator, outstanding Parliamentarian & a remarkable orator. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. #sushma
— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 6, 2019
Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said he was shocked and had never imagined that the leader would have a sudden demise.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also offered his condolences.
Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Smt Sushma Swaraj. Difficult to accept this news. The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2019
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered tributes to Sushma Swaraj and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.
Smt Sushma Swaraj served the nation with diligence and brilliance. Her contribution to the nation and the party will always be remembered.
I offer my heartfelt tributes to her and extend my condolences to her bereaved family.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 6, 2019
Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late leader.
My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj ji.
One of India’s most respected leaders, she showed remarkable dedication to serving her fellow citizens & took the Indo-French relationship to new heights.#SushmaSwaraj
— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) August 6, 2019
Several other leaders, cutting across party lines, offered condolences and tributes to the late former minister.
A star minister during Modi government’s first stint, Sushma Swaraj, who had a kidney transplant in 2016, did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on account of her health.
After PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony last month, Sushma Swaraj had tweeted thanking PM Modi for giving her the opportunity to hold the office for five years.
“Prime Minister, you gave me an opportunity to serve our countrymen and overseas Indians as the Foreign Minister for five years and personally, also, gave me respect throughout my tenure. I am very grateful to you. I pray that our government becomes very successful,” Sushma had tweeted.
Swaraj was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in a critical condition today evening. She was brought to AIIMS at 10:15 pm by her family and was straightaway taken to the emergency ward, soon after which, she died.
Meanwhile, the mortal remains of the former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was taken from AIIMS to her Delhi residence, where they will be kept tonight for people to pay last respects. Around 12 pm tomorrow, her mortal remains will be brought to the BJP headquarters. At 3 pm she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium where her last rites will be performed with full state honours.
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