RIP Sushma Swaraj: India grieves, condolences pour in from all quarters
The firebrand leader, who underwent a kidney transplant in December 2016, had not contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons. Condolences started to pour in as soon as the news of her untimely demise was out on the social media:
Condolences poured in from all quarters on the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who died at age 67, after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.
The firebrand leader, who underwent a kidney transplant in December 2016, had not contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections due to health reasons.
Condolences started to pour in as soon as the news of her untimely demise was out on the social media:
"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," President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted.
"Ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India," he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted: "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 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," he added
"An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled."
"I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years," PM Modi said on Twitter.
"The mind is deeply saddened by the sudden demise of former External Affairs Minister and senior BJP leader and Member of Parliamentary Board, Mrs. Sushma Swaraj," Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweeted.
The death of Sushma Swaraj ji is an irreparable loss to BJP and Indian politics. On behalf of all BJP workers, I express my deepest condolences to his family, supporters and well wishers. God bless the departed soul forever. Om Shanti Shanti Shanti," he added.
"Shocked beyond words & distressed at the passing away of Smt #SushmaSwaraj. An astute parliamentarian, an effective orator & an excellent humane leader, she will forever be remembered and missed," former president Pranab Mukherjee tweeted.
"Hers was a story of hard work to heights! My deepest condolences and prayers," he added
"Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Smt. Sushma Swaraj. Her death is a huge loss to the country & personal loss to me," Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu tweeted.
"She was an excellent administrator, outstanding Parliamentarian & a remarkable orator. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members. #sushma," he added.
"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," Union Minister Smriti Irani tweeted.
"I am deeply shocked by the sad demise of Mrs. Sushma Swaraj. Her death has caused irreparable loss for the country, the party and for me personally. May her soul rest in peace. Om shanti," Union Minister Nitin Gadkari tweeted.
"Shocked, have no words to express my pain," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad.
"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," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
"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," Swaraj's successor, current external affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted.
"We are saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj. Our condolences to her family and loved ones," Congress tweeted.
"Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of BJP leader Sushma Swaraj Ji. Her contribution to the nation in various leadership roles will never be forgotten. I pray God to give strength to the family," former Andhra Pradesh chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu tweeted
Deeply saddened, shocked at the sudden passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji. An outstanding politician, leader, good human being.Will miss her.Condolences to her family/admirers," former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted.
"The news of the sudden demise of Mrs. Sushma Swaraj, senior BJP leader and Union Minister, is very sad. She was not only a very skilled politician and administrator but also a very sociable woman. Deepest condolences to his family," former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati tweeted.
"Today, India lost a great leader, the world lost an exemplary human being and I lost an elder sister. The void left by the passing of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj ji can never be filled. May Waheguru grant peace and shelter to the dearly departed," Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal tweeted.
"Shocked to hear news about the sudden demise of BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister SushmaSwaraj Ji. May her soul rest in peace". Rajat Sharma, editor-in-chief, India TV tweeted.
"Shocked to hear about the sad demise of Sushmaji Swaraj. She would always call me ‘Sharad Bhau‘. We’ve lost a great statesman, eloquent orator, efficient administrator, fellow parliamentarian and above all a kind hearted person," Sharad Pawar tweeted.
"Heartfelt condolences to family and friends of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. She worked tirelessly for her party and was greatly admired by people across the political divide.Her last tweet,just a few hours ago is bewildering. Did she know? We can only speculate," Smita Prakash tweeted.
"I'm beyond aggrieved at the passing away of Smt. #SushmaSwaraj A veteran politician and a pillar of the BJP, she was loved by everyone. She will be remembered as the most endearing & helpful politicians of recent times. My condolences to her family and friends. A huge loss for India," BJP MP Gautam Gambhir tweeted.
"#RIPSushmaSwarajJi ...an amazing leader, orator and minister..... condolences to the family...," filmmaker Karan Johar tweeted.
"Saddened to hear about the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj ji . May her soul rest in peace," actor Anushka Sharma tweeted.
"RIP Sushma ji. Absolutely shocked and devastated to hear about her passing. She was always close to me and was extremely kind, since the early days. My heartfelt condolences to the family & our entire nation for this great loss," actor Sanjay Dutt tweeted.
https://twitter.com/duttsanjay/status/1158808223991730176
"Here in the West Indies and just heard the terrible news of passing away of #SushmaSwaraj ji. Condolences to her family, gone too soon," former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif tweeted.
"Shocked at the passing away of my dear Sushma Swaraj Ji. Had the honour of working as the brand ambassador of the 'girl child' campaign under her able guidance and will cherish my personal relationship with her forever. R.I.P. ma'am," tennis star Sania Mirza tweeted.
Swaraj's foreign counterparts also feel the shock:
"My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, Smt. 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," French diplomat, Alexandre Ziegler tweeted.
"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!" Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdulla Shahid tweeted.
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: "My deepest condolences to the government and the people of India on the passing of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj".
"I had many fruitful and useful discussions with her while she held office, and am saddened by her sudden passing. May she forever rest in peace" he added.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai tweeted his condolences: "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.@narendramodi."
Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister S. Rabbani posted: "I'm saddened to hear of the untimely demise of Sushma Swaraj, former EAM of India. My deepest condolences to the people and government of India on the loss of a distinguished public figure who represented her country with distinction & determination."
Former Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon tweeted: "Saddened by the passing away of former #EAM A@SushmaSwaraj ji. An #Indian leader who was always impressively accessible to all #Indian citizens worldwide.I will not forget her friendship to Israel In #Parliament & in #Government & her visit to #Jerusalem, 2016. She will be missed."