One of the most prolific politicians of India, Sushma Swaraj's sudden demise triggered a wave of shock and grief with leaders cutting across political spectrum paying glowing tributes to the astute leader.
President Ram Nath Kovind: 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.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi: “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,” Mr. Modi tweeted.
“”Sushma Ji 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.
“An excellent administrator, 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.
“I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her Ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled.
"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," Mr. Modi added.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi: 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.
Home Minister Amit Shah: Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of former External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader and Member of Parliamentary Board, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj.
He said Swaraj's death was a great loss not just for BJP for the entire political landscape of the country.
“She was the shining star of our party, she worked tirelessly under guidance of Atalji and Advaniji. She served with dedication in Modiji's 1st term. I am deeply saddened today," he said.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was deeply shocked and anguished by the sudden demise of an extremely valued colleague.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar: 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.
TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee: Deeply saddened, shocked at the sudden passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji.I knew her since the 1990s.Even though our ideologies differed, we shared many cordial times in Parliament. An outstanding politician, leader, good human being.Will miss her.Condolences to her family/admirers
Union Minister Smriti Irani: I have an axe to grind with you Didi . You made Bansuri pick a restaurant to take me for a celebratory lunch. You left without fulfilling your promise to the two of us.
Senior party leader Arun Jaitley said he was pained and broken at her demise and described her as one of the most outstanding politicians in the present era. Swaraj distinguished in all positions she he held in the party, the government and the opposition, he said, adding that she leaves behind a void which is difficult to fill.
Delhi Chief Minster Arvind Kejriwal: India has lost a great leader. Sushma ji was a very warm and remarkable person. May her soul rest in peace.
Delhi Lt. Governor Anil Baijal: 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.
Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram: Deeply saddened that Sushma Swaraj ji has passed away. She served her party and the country with loyalty, devotion and distinction. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
Congress leader Manish Tewari: Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing away of stalwart leader Smt.#SushmaSwaraj! The nation will miss her effervescence, warmth and unmissable receptiveness as a leader!
Congress leader Ahmed Patel: She was a warm hearted person , a passionate leader, an excellent orator and a true stateswoman. Her demise has left the country with an irreparable vaccum, it marks the end of an era.
Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad: Shocked to hear about the untimely death of sister Sushma Swaraj. She was a great human being and will always be remembered.
Foreign Minister of Maldives Abdulla Shahid: Deeply grieved to hear the demise of my good friend Smt #SushmaSawraj; Stateswoman extraordinaire, diplomat par excellence; A warm human being. Key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. Sincere condolences to bereaved family and people of India. May she rest in peace!
Dean of Diplomatic Corps Hans Dannenberg Castellanos: The diplomatic community in Delhi joins the nation in sorrow for the sad demise of a great woman in Indian politics, and one that during her tenure as Foreign Minister strengthened the position of India in the World. We extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Sushma Swaraj's family and friends.
UN General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa has hailed India’s former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as “an extraordinary woman and leader.”
“Saddened by the news of the passing of @SushmaSwaraj, an extraordinary woman & leader who devoted her life to public service,” Ms. Espinosa tweeted. “I had the honor of meeting her in my visits to #India, & will always remember her fondly. My deepest condolences to all of her loved ones,” she added.
Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai: Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Behinji Sushma Swaraj. A tall leader and a great orator and people’s person. My profound condolences to the people of India and her family and friends.
Also read | Sushma Swaraj, a BJP stalwart with socialist roots, passes away
H.D. Deve Gowda: I am deeply saddened by the sad demise of former Union minister, ex-CM of Delhi Sushma Swaraj Ji. A loss to our Nation. May God give her family the courage to bear this pain.
He also writes to Swaraj Kaushal, husband of late former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj: "My heartfelt condolences to the family. I pray the Almighty to give your benign self, all the family members, followers&well-wishers the strength to overcome this tragedy."
Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa: Nation mourns today the loss 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. Om Shanti.
JD(S) chief H.D. Kumaraswamy: I'm shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Former Chief Minister of Delhi, Former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj Ji. May her soul rest in peace. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said he was deeply shocked to know that former Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was no more.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed deep condolences on her demise. He hailed the popular leader's contributions in Parliamentary and Diplomatic Affairs Ministries.
Senior party leader Prakash Javadekar expressed his shock and said Swaraj set an example by connecting the common man's need to the External Affairs Ministry.
BJP working president J.P. Nadda: Swaraj was an example of an ideal personality, be as an Opposition leader or as External Affairs Minister. Her loss is irreparable and the void left by her can never be filled. It's a huge loss to the party and the nation.
Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad: We used to address her as 'didi' and the respect she commanded was phenomenal. She was fine in the morning and then, suddenly, we got this news. It is a painful loss for me and for the nation.
Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain also grieved the loss, saying Swaraj had guided him in his career and "she was a leader liked by everyone, from the ruling to the opposition parties". Her contribution in the external affairs ministry is substantial as she left a mark in the field, he said.
Also read | Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj passes away
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia: The news of passing away of Sushma Swaraj is extremely sad. Her contribution to Indian politics would remain immortal. May her soul rest in peace.
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao , through a release from the Chief Minister's Office, praised her services to the nation in different capacities and conveyed his condolences to bereaved family members.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said she was a dynamic personality and an able administrator. She had exhibited her skills as an excellent Parliamentarian while playing the role of Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. We have lost a senior leader and a mentor, but it is also a personal loss for me, he added.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said she was a powerful orator and a person who won the masses with her influence.
Aam Aadmi Party: In the sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj our nation has lost a patriot and leader who inspired countless people.
Indian National Congress: In the sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj our nation has lost a patriot and leader who inspired countless people. We pray she rests in peace.
Punjab CM Amarinder Singh: Shocked to learn of the sudden demise of @SushmaSwaraj ji. I will always remember her as a dynamic and sensitive leader with the ability to empathise with the common people. Will miss her. May your soul rest in peace!
Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel expressed her profound grief over Swaraj's sudden demise. Swaraj was a very dedicated leader who played an important role in the country's politics, she said, adding, with her demise, an era has come to an end.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar: The nation is in grief over her demise and will always remember her efforts in the interests of the country and its people. Her death is an irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace and members of her family find the strength to bear the tragedy,
Bihar Governor Phagu Chauhan: Swaraj was known for her "erudition and patriotism", besides being "hugely popular with admirers in all political parties and a source of inspiration for millions of Indians".
(With inputs from PTI)
