Sushma Swaraj passes away, leaders condole death

Aug 7, 2019
New Delhi: Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj died at the AIIMS here on Tuesday night following cardiac arrest, hospital sources said. She was 67.

The veteran BJP leader was brought to AIIMS in a critical condition after suffering a heart attack but soon passed away, the sources said.

“She was brought to AIIMS at 9.35 p.m.. We gave her CPR as well. She passed away at 10 p.m.,” said the source.

Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Prakash Javadekar, and Harsh Vardhan, and BJP Working President J.P. Nadda arrived at the hospital as they got the news.

Her body has been taken to her residence at 6, Jantar Mantar from the AIIMS. Her mortal remains would be kept at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. so that people can pay their last respects.

Leaders from across the political spectrum condoled the death of Sushma Swaraj, who had also been the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that a “glorious period in Indian politics” had ended and recalled her efforts as External Affairs Minister in his first government in helping any Indians abroad in any trouble.

“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.

“A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people,” he said in a series of tweets.

Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted: Sushma Swaraj Ji’s death is an irreparable loss to BJP and Indian politics.

“A sharp orator, an ideal worker, a beloved people’s leader and a hard working minister, she has left an indelible mark on Indian politics through her many roles,” Shah added.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi’s Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, former Uttar Pradesh chief ministers Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, were among those who condoled her death.

Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said: “She would call me her brother… I have lost my sister today. Her sudden demise is a shock. She was a great leader. I pray to the almighty that her soul rests in peace.”

An emotional Union Minister and senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad said: “Her last tweet on Article 370 makes me emotional. It’s a great loss.”

Minister of State for Finance and Corporate Affairs Anurag Thakur tweeted: “India’s most loved Foreign Minister is no more. It is not only a loss for me but for the party and the nation. She has been a guiding force for young leaders like me.”

Condolences also poured in from foreign leaders on the death of the former External Affairs Minister.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Iran Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid were among those who condoled her demise.

Sushma Swaraj did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing poor health conditions. IANS