‘India grieves demise of a remarkable leader’: PM, President, other leaders pay tributes to Sushma Swaraj

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”.

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”.

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.

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”.

PM Modi also offered his condolences to Sushma’s family, supporters and admirers.

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.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted condolences.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his grief over the demise of the extraordinary leader.

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.

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.

Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh offered tributes to Sushma Swaraj and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler offered his heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the late leader.

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.