Former Foreign Minister Swaraj Passes Away, Leaders Condole Former Foreign Minister's Demise

By FnF Correspondent | PUBLISHED: 07, Aug 2019, 11:23 am IST | UPDATED: 07, Aug 2019, 11:25 am IST

Delhi: 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.

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.

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."

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."

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.

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.

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.