Leaders across parties pay tribute to Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on demise

New Delhi: The sudden demise of three-time Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit on Saturday has evoked condolences from political leaders cutting across party lines. Dikshit passed away at a private hospital here following a cardiac arrest. She was 81.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the first to condoled the demise of Dikshit. President Kovind said she had transformed the national capital in her tenure.

"Sad to hear of the passing of Sheila Dikshit, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a senior political figure. Her term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered. Condolences to her family and associates," the President said in a tweet.

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और एक वरिष्ठ राजनेता श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित के निधन के बारे में जानकर दुख हुआ। उनका कार्यकाल राजधानी दिल्ली के लिए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन का दौर था जिसके लिए उन्हें याद किया जाएगा। उनके परिवार व सहयोगियों के प्रति मेरी शोक-संवेदनाएं — राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 20, 2019

PM Modi too said that Dikshit made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi`s development.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi`s development. Condolences to her family and supporters," Modi tweeted.

Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/jERrvJlQ4X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2019

Condoling the demise of the senior Congress leader, Home Minister Amit Shah said, "Sad over the demise of former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. My heartfelt condolences to the family members and her supporters. May God give strength to her family in this hour of grief and lasting peace to the departed soul." 

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुखी हूँ। मैं उनके परिजनों और समर्थकों के प्रति अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर दु:ख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिवार को शक्ति दे और दिवंगत आत्मा को चिर शांति प्रदान करे ।
ॐ शांति शांति शांति — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 20, 2019

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted, "The passing away of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt Sheila Dixit is deeply saddening. She was a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature. Sheilaji was widely respected cutting across party lines. My thoughts are with her bereaved family & supporters. Om Shanti!"

The passing away of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit is deeply saddening. She was a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature.

Sheilaji was widely respected cutting across party lines. My thoughts are with her bereaved family & supporters. Om Shanti! — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 20, 2019

Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, said, "Saddened to hear the news about the demise of former Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit. Her contributions in the development of Delhi will always be remembered. My condolences to the family. May her soul rest in peace."

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और काँग्रेस की वरिष्ठ नेता श्रीमती शिला दीक्षित जी के देहांत की खबर सुनकर व्यथित हूं। दिल्ली के विकास में उनका योगदान हमेशा याद रखा जाएगा। उनके परिजनों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं हैं। भगवान शीला जी की दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति दे। ॐ शांतिः। — Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) July 20, 2019

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "I am sorry to know about the sudden demise of Sheila Dikshitji. We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being." 

I am sorry to know about the sudden demise of Sheila Dixit ji. We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being. #SheilaDixit — Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 20, 2019

Veteran CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury tweeted, "Deepest condolences on the death of Mrs Sheila Dikshit. She has made a tremendous contribution to the city of Delhi and millions of its people. Her absence will be deeply felt. Personally too, it is a very sad day."

Deepest condolences on the death of Mrs. Sheila Dikshit. She has made a tremendous contribution to the city of Delhi and millions of its people. Her absence will be deeply felt. Personally too, it is a very sad day. — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) July 20, 2019

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar said, "Saddened over the demise of senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. She was loved and respected by all the parties. May God give strength to the family in this hour of grief and peace to the departed soul."

कांग्रेस की वरिष्ठ व प्रखर नेता श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित के निधन से अत्यंत दुःख हुआ। उन्हें सभी दलों का आदर व सम्मान प्राप्त था। ईश्वर दु:ख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिवार को शक्ति दे और दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे ।
ॐ शांति। — Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) July 20, 2019

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Deeply saddened at the passing away of Sheila Dikshitji. When I became the MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her."