Sushma Swaraj cremated with full state honours | THE UNFATEFUL DAY in highlights

The demise of Sushma Swaraj, a politician of many firsts, marks an end to a political era in Delhi, where she was the last of surviving former chief ministers after the death of Sheila Dikshit. Sushma Swaraj, 67, passed away late on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest.

Sushma Swaraj became the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998, albeit for a short period. Her successor was Sheila Dikshit, who went on to occupy the post for 15 long years and who passed away last month.

In her political career spanning over five decades, Sushma Swaraj got the credit of being the first on many counts.

She was the first full-time woman External Affairs Minister (2014-19). Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi headed the Ministry for a short span multiple times. Sushma Swaraj was also the first woman Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha -- between 2009 and 2014.

She entered politics when few women did so. She was not only the first woman spokesperson in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but also in any national party.

She became the youngest Cabinet Minister in Haryana at age 25 in 1977.

Born to a father who was a member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sushma Swaraj joined the BJP after the 1975-77 Emergency -- and steadily rose the ranks.

THE UNFATEFUL DAY in highlights

16:25 | Sushma Swaraj cremated with state honours at Lodhi Crematorium.

15:59 | WATCH | Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of Sushma Swaraj, performs her last rites 

15:50 | PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay at Lodhi crematorium. 

15:12 | 

15:09 | Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj being taken to Lodhi crematorium for last rites 

15:02 | I offer my prayers and my condolences at this difficult time. Sushma Swaraj enjoyed immense respect for her compassionate concern for people and her friendly demeanour. In devoting herself to service of others, she led a very meaningful life, says the Dalai Lama

14:56 | Bansuri Swaraj and Swaraj Kaushal, daughter and husband of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, pay salute as state honours are accorded to the former Union Minister

14:54 | Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wrapped in tricolour at BJP headquarters in Delhi

14:51 | Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, the owner of MDH spice company, gets emotional after paying tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

14:47 | Mortal remains of Sushma Swaraj to be taken for last rites shortly, preparations in place

14:46 | Today, the US Mission to India mourns the passing of Sushma Swaraj. Minister Swaraj was greatly respected and viewed as an outstanding representative of the Indian people, both at home and abroad. Sushma Swaraj was a steadfast advocate for her compatriots. As External Affairs Minister, she was a key partner in strengthening US-India bilateral relationship, most prominently during the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September 2018: US Embassy in Delhi

14:43 | The traffic will remain affected near Lodhi Road due to the cremation of former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj. Traffic on Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, near Neela Gumbad, Moolchand Flyover, Defence Colony Flyover, Lodhi Road Flyover and on adjoining roads will be affected from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.

14:31 | 

14:14 | We called her ‘didi’ and today she is no more with us. She was a mother, a sister, a huge politician and a great orator as well. She did a lot for the country, especially for the poor. We have lost a great, honest and a remarkable leader, says Jaya Prada

14:10 | Mourning the demise of BJP leader and former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj, the Rajya Sabha today deferred some bills including one that seeks to remove the Congress President as a member of the trust running the Jallianwala Bagh memorial. The House, however, returned the bill seeking to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court to the Lok Sabha without discussion. 

14:08 | BJP President Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda pay tribute to Sushma Swaraj at party headquarters

14:05 | For me, Sushma Swaraj ji was an elder sister. I was simply stunned y'day on hearing about her demise. At 8:45 pm I had a talk with her. She said 'you have to come and take your fees of Re.1 for Jadhav case'. Just 10 min post that, she had cardiac arrest, says Harish Salve, Senior Advocate

13:46 | Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pays tribute to former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi

13:36 | "I was shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj. I have fond memories of my association with her when she was Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. She was a leader of high esteem who was highly respected by everybody irrespective of party lines. She was a great parliamentarian and exceptionally talented Minister of the Union Government," former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said. 

13:35 | Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot and former chief minister Vasundhara Raje condoled the death of senior BJP leader and former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. In his condolence message, Singh said Swaraj was a brave and a visionary leader who always remained available to help the people.

13:19 | BJP President Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda pay tribute to Sushma Swaraj

13:12 | 

13:10 | Mortal remains of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj brought to BJP Headquarters

01:06 | The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday mourned the demise of its former member and senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, with Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu calling her an able administrator and a true voice of the people. Naidu said Sushma Swaraj was a "sister" to him who used to tie rakhi to him every year. "This year I will be missing this honour," he said in his address.

12:53 | Speaking to reporters after paying his last respects to Swaraj at her residence, Shah said as the external affairs minister in the first term of the Narendra Modi government, Swaraj had enhanced the country's reputation across the world and her death had left a void which would be hard to fill. "Her untimely demise is not a big loss for the BJP alone, but also for national politics," he said.

12:31 | Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj being taken to BJP Headquarters. 

12:17 | Sad to learn about the passing away of Sushma Swaraj, former Minister of External Affairs of India. Appreciate her contributions to China-India relations. Express my deep condolences to her family, says Chinese Ambassador to India, Sun Weidong

12:10 | Russian envoy Nikolay Kudashev, who visited Swaraj's residence to pay his last respect, said: "Sushma Swaraj was well known in Russia as a steadfast defender and promoter of the international interests of India and its global power reputation."

12:02 | In a statement issued on Wednesday, Palaniswami expressed shock and grief. He said Sushma Swaraj was a Supreme Court advocate and a great orator, scaled great heights in politics at a very young age like becoming a minister in Haryana government, getting elected to the Lok Sabha several times and also becoming the Chief Minister of Delhi.

11:56 | Extremely sad over the sudden demise of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. It's a huge loss for the nation. I pay tributes. We have declared state mourning today, says Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat

11:42 | Sushma Swaraj ji was an ambassador of the Indian culture. She was an able administrator and a sensitive leader. Today the entire country is sad to lose a leader like her. She understood everyone's problems and served them. We are standing with her family, says Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

11:39 | Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cancels his 'Maha Janadesh Yatra' programmes for the day as a mark of respect for Sushma Swaraj

11:34 | My heartfelt condolences to the family. I pray the Almighty to give your benign self, all the family members, followers and well-wishers the strength to overcome this tragedy: Former PM and JDS leader HD Deve Gowda writes to Swaraj Kaushal, husband of former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj

11:31 | Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa pays last respects to former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj

11:14 | Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu and members of the House pay tribute to former EAM Sushma Swaraj

11:13 | Express grief over the sudden demise of former Union Minister and veteran political leader Sushma Swaraj. It's difficult to fill the space left by her. I pray for peace to departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in their hour of grief, says Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik

11:07 | Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj

11:04 | Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik condoles the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Sushma Swarajji . She was a warm, respected and a learned leader. She was known to take personal interest even in smallest of people's problem. Her departure has left a void in Indian politics. My heartfelt condolences to her family," tweeted Patnaik.

11:01 | An artist from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, Mohammad Zuhaib, pays his last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj by making a charcoal portrait

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10:59 | Delhi: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tributes to former EAM Sushma Swaraj at her residence. His daughter Pratibha Advani gets emotional as she meets Sushma Swaraj's daughter, Bansuri

10:58 | Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj

10:56 | With a feeling of deep sorrow we came to know about premature passing away of Sushma Swaraj. Please accept my deepest condolences on this irreparable loss of your predecessor, India's outstanding politician and diplomat, says Nikolay R Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India

10:50 | Haryana Government will observe a 2-day state mourning in honour of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister

10:33 | Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj 

10:16 | Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj

10:01 | Israeli Ambassador to India, Ron Malka pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader

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09:58 | 

09:52 | Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj 

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09:49 | Vice-President, M Venkaiah Naidu pays last respects to Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, in Delhi

09:46 | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pay last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj

09:31 | Samajwadi Party leader, Ram Gopal Yadav gets emotional after paying tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj

09:04 | Delhi government has declared a two-day mourning in the national capital as a mark of respect for senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away on Tuesday

08:54 | Yog guru Ramdev pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj at her residence

08:49 | Bharatiya Janata Party leader Hema Malini pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi

08:34 | Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj

08:09 | Deeply saddened, shocked at sudden passing away of Sushma Swaraj ji. I knew her since 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, says West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. 

08:05 | TMC MP Derek O'Brien and Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi

08:02 | Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj, a senior political leader of India and former External Affairs Minister. Heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the Govt and people of India as well as to the bereaved family members, says PM of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli

07:54 | President Ram Nath Kovind to pay tributes to Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at 8:50 am today

07:46 | Home Minister Amit Shah to pay tributes to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at 8:30 am today 

07:29 | 

07:25 | The diplomatic community in Delhi joins the nation in sorrow on the sad demise of a great woman in Indian politics. During her tenure as Foreign Minister, she strengthened the position of India in the world, says Dean of Diplomatic Corps, Hans Dannenberg Castellanos

07:21 | Sushma Swaraj ji's demise personally saddens me. She was an able politician, administrator and a good orator. Her personality was very friendly, even with members of the opposition. I pray to nature to give her family the strength to cope with this loss, says Mayawati

07:18 | BSP chief Mayawati pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at the latter's residence in Delhi

02:30 | Sushma ma'am, the world needed to hear more of you, more from you | A fan remembers

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02:25 | "Passing away of Sushma ji is an irreparable loss. People of the country will remember her contribution for a long time. Whenever any Indian got into trouble, Didi took care of it herself, even when it came to the return of a single nurse from abroad," Union Minister Piyush Goyal said.

00:45 | At 3 pm, she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium, where her last rites will be performed with full state honours.

00:40 | Sushma Swaraj's remains have reached her Delhi residence

00:26 | Sushma Swaraj will be cremated at the Lodhi Road crematorium. The 'antim darshan' will be held from 12 pm till 3 pm at BJP HQs.

00:24 | "We're shocked. We never imagined she'd leave us so soon. I knew her since 1977 when I was in Youth Congress. We knew each other for last 42 years. We never called each other by name -- she used to call me 'bhai' and I used to call her 'behen'," Ghulam Nabi Azad says.

00:20 | Mortal remains being taken to her Delhi residence

00:17 | Ghulam Nabi Azad reaches AIIMS

00:17 | Lata Mangeshkar tweets: "Deeply shocked and saddened to hear about Sushma Swaraj ji’s sudden demise. A graceful and honest leader,  a sensitive and selfless soul, a keen understanding of music and poetry and a dear friend. Our former external minister will be remembered fondly."

00:16 | Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder says he is "shocked" to learn of the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj

00:15 | "Saddened to hear about Sushma Swaraj 's sudden death," tweets BSP chief Mayawati.

00:10 | Sushma Swaraj's successor S Jaishankar tweets: "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."

00:03 | Home Minister Amit Shah tweets

00:02 | Swaraj was great statesman, eloquent orator: Sharad Pawar

NCP chief Sharad Pawar has expressed shock over the death of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"Shocked to hear about the sad demise of Sushmaji

Swaraj. She would always call me 'Sharad Bhau'," Pawar tweeted.

"We've lost a great statesman, eloquent orator, efficient administrator, fellow parliamentarian and above all a kind hearted person," Pawar tweeted.

00:00 | Security beefed up outside AIIMS

AUGUST 7, 2019

23:57 | Rahul Gandhi expresses grief

23:56 | Rajat Sharma, editor-in-chief, India TV tweets

23:55 | BJP leaders arrive at AIIMS

23:40 | PM Modi tweets

23:33 | SS Ahluwalia reaches AIIMS

23:31 | Dinesh Gundu Rao expresses grief

 

23:24 | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaches AIIMS

23:23 | "Heartbreaking to know that our dearest former EAM Sushma Swaraj ji is no more. She was brought dead to the hospital emergency an hour ago. Heart attack is most likely the cause of death. AIIMS is drafting a formal statement. She was 67. This is terribly shocking," Aditya Raj Kaul tweets.

23:18 | Sushma Swaraj's last tweet

23:16 | Congress is the first to tweet

Video: Sushma Swaraj passes away, last rites at 3 pm today