New Delhi/July,20: Congress veteran and three time former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit passed away on Saturday at Escorts Heart Institute here after several days in critical care.
Family sources said Dikshit was suffering from a major heart ailment and had a valvular complication. She was 81.
She was in an Intensive Care Unit for over 10 days before her death. Dikshit was 81 years old.
She was the longest serving Delhi chief minister, from 1998 to 2015. Her tenure was dotted with major development projects in Delhi, but was also dogged by the infamous Commonwealth Games Scam.
Dikshit was Delhi Congress chief when she died, and one of the most vociferous voices against any Lok Sabha alliance with the ruling AAP in Delhi.
The first Congress leader to condole Dikshit’s death was former prime minister Manmohan Singh who said “I am shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Shiela Dixit. In her death the country has lost a dedicated Congress Leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to the development during her tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi.”
Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh also expressed his condolences. He said in his tweet: “Extremely pained at the sudden death of Sheila Dikshit ji. A political era has passed away with her. Had known her for 40 years. She was like an elder sister to me, guiding and supporting me in my difficult moments. I will miss you Sheila ji. RIP”.
Outgoing Congress president Rahul Gandhi said in his tweet: “I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Shiela Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief”.
Condolences also poured in from outside the party. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a tweet: “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”.
Among the first to offer his condolences was Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Dikshit’s successor to the chief minister’s position.
“Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised her work as chief minister. “Just heard about the tragic demise of @SheilaDikshit ji. What terrible terrible news. I’ve always known her as a very warm & affectionate lady. She did wonders for Delhi as CM & will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace,” he said in a tweet.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in her tweet: “Deeply saddened at the passing of Sheila Dikshit Ji. When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her”.
Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti said in her tweet: “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Smt Sheila Dixit. She was one of the tallest leaders in Congress & transformed Delhi in her tenure as CM. My deepest condolences to her family & loved ones”.
Congress leader Ahmed Patel said in his tweet: “Distressed to learn about the passing away of Sheila ji. She was a born fighter who immersed her self in public service, till her last breath”.
Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said : “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”.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal said: “Shocked at the demise of former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit. My heart goes out to the bereaved family. May the Almighty grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this loss”
