Sushma Swaraj Passes Away: PM Modi, Leaders Condole Former Foreign Minister's Demise

Sushma Swaraj Death: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders from across the political spectrum condoled the death of the former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, saying a glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders from across the political spectrum condoled the death of the former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, saying a glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end.

Sushma Swaraj Death: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders from across the political spectrum condoled the death of the former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, saying a glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end. Swaraj was admitted to AIIMS at around 10:15 pm after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest, and her condition was said to be “very critical”. She was taken to the emergency ward straightaway, as reported by PTI. Expressing his condolences over the demise of the former Union Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and said, "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."  Sushmaji was a prolific orator and outstanding parliamentarian, she was admired and revered across party lines, PM Modi further said.

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.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

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

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi  expressed shock over the death of senior BJP leader. "I’m shocked to hear about demise of Sushma SwarajJi, 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," he wrote on Twitter.

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

Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted, "Passing away of Sushma Swaraj ji is a great loss to BJP & Indian politics. I pay condolences to her family, supporters, & well-wishers on behalf of all BJP workers."

सुषमा स्वराज जी का निधन भाजपा और भारतीय राजनीति के लिए एक अपूरणीय क्षति है।

मैं समस्त भाजपा कार्यकर्ताओं की ओर से उनके परिजनों, समर्थकों व शुभचिंतकों के प्रति अपनी गहरी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर दिवंगत आत्मा को चिर शान्ति प्रदान करे। ॐ शांति शांति शांति — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 6, 2019

President Ram Nath Kovind also expressed his condolences saying, "Extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Sushma Swaraj. Country has lost a much loved leader who epitomised dignity,courage&integrity in public life. Ever willing to help others, she'll always be remembered for her service to ppl 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

NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, "Shocked to hear about the sad demise of Sushmaji Swaraj. She would always call me 'Sharad Bhau'," Pawar tweeted. "We've lost a great statesman, eloquent orator, efficient administrator, fellow parliamentarian and above all a kind hearted person." Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condoled the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "She was closely associated with Goa. She was a very strong leader who worked for the party. It is a major loss for the BJP and the nation," Sawant told reporters here. "During her five-year tenure as foreign affairs minister, she maintained good relations with various nations," the Goa CM said.

Extremely saddened to learn about Sushmaji's tragic untimely departure. A bold, visionary and humane leader, she will sorely be missed by all. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

— LG Delhi (@LtGovDelhi) August 6, 2019

"Deeply shocked and anguished by the sudden demise of an extremely valued colleague Smt. Sushma Swaraj." Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter.

She was a seasoned Parliamentarian and widely respected cutting across the party lines. Her demise is a monumental loss for us. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 6, 2019

Ambassador of France to India also expressed his grief over the demise of the leader. "My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, 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," Alexandre Ziegler wrote on Twitter.

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

"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." Vice President wrote on Twitter.

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 6, 2019

बीजेपी की वरिष्ठ नेता व केन्द्रीय मंत्री रही श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज के अचानक निधन की खबर अति-दुःखद है। वे काफी कुशल राजनीतिज्ञ व प्रशासक ही नहीं बल्कि एक अति-मिलनसार महिला थीं। उनके परिवार के प्रति गहरी संवेदना।

— Mayawati (@Mayawati) August 6, 2019

दुखद! श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज जी का निधन अपूरणीय क्षति है। ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति एवं परिजनों को शक्ति दे। कुशल नेतृत्व एवं उत्कर्ष कार्यकुशलता के लिए सुषमा जी हमेशा स्मरणीय रहेंगी।शत् शत् नमन। विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि!

— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 6, 2019

Several senior ministers, including Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, reached AIIMS after Swaraj was admitted to the hospital. She had put out a tweet in the evening congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Centre's move to revoke special status for Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcate the border state into two Union Territories secured Parliament's approval. "Narendra Modi ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," she had said. Swaraj had a kidney transplant in 2016 and had opted out of contesting Lok Sabha polls earlier this year for health reasons. She is survived by her husband Swaraj Kaushal and daughter Bansuri. Mortal remains of Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be taken from AIIMS to her Delhi residence and will be kept there tonight.