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Soon after Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj passed away late on Tuesday, 6 August, night, leaders from across the political spectrum took to Twitter to express their condolences.
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”.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Swaraj’s demise, saying a glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end.
Stating she was “an excellent administrator” PM Modi said “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,” Modi wrote in a series of tweets on Tuesday.
‘A Glorious Chapter in Indian Politics Comes to an End’
The PM further said that “Sushma was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian.”
“She was admired and revered across party lines. She was uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the BJP, whose growth she immensely contributed to,” Modi’s tweet read.
BJP president Amit Shah said that Sushma left an indelible mark in national politics.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also took to Twitter to offer “heartfelt tributes” to the late BJP leader and extend his condolences to the bereaved family.
“Sushma Swaraj served the nation with diligence and brilliance. Her contribution to the nation and the party will always be remembered,” Singh wrote in a tweet.
BJP working president JP Nadda said that Swaraj was an example of an ideal personality, be it as an opposition leader or as an external affairs minister.
“The country will always remember her as extremely simple, empathic, robust, energetic and impressive personality,” Nadda said, adding that her death is an irreparable loss to the nation and the BJP.
‘Extraordinary Political Leader & Exceptional Parliamentarian’
The Congress too, expressed condolences to Sushma’s family and loved ones.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote in a tweet: “I am shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji, an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator and an exceptional Parliamentarian, with friendships across party lines.”
‘Inspired Many Women to Enter Politics’
Newly elected Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa also mourned the loss, saying Sushma was “one of one of the strongest leaders and finest spokespersons India has seen.”
“Her work as the MEA has been impeccable and as a politician, she inspired many women to enter politics. May her soul rest in peace,” Yediyurappa wrote in a tweet.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Swaraj’s demise is a “personal loss.”
‘Sushma Was Special, Will Miss Her’
Bollywood actor and Delhi’s Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol also expressed his “sincere condolences” on Sushma’s demise. “She was special and we will miss her,” Deol said in a tweet.
‘Irreparable Loss’
Shiv Sena Chief Uddhav Thackeray expressed grief over the "irreparable loss" his family is suffering following the demise of Swaraj, whom party patriarch Bal Thackeray had once backed as NDA's prime ministerial face.
Uddhav Thackeray said Swaraj's death marks an end of a "resplendent era" in Indian politics, according to PTI.
Former chief minister and BJP's national vice president Raman Singh, in his condolence message, referred to Swaraj's last tweet lauding the government's move on Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“Her demise is an irreparable loss to Indian politics but her ideas and ideals will remain immortal on this land for ages,” Singh added.
Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan remembered late Sushma Swaraj as the MP who, with her oration skills and photographic memory made the Opposition members nervous in Parliament.
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