Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, Governor Phagu Chauhan condole Sushma Swaraj's demise

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Governor Phagu Chauhan on Tuesday condoled the demise of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Kumar, who was Swaraj’s cabinet colleague in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, described her as “a great orator, an energetic and efficient leader who had many talents”. “The nation is in grief over her demise and will always remember her efforts in the interests of the country and its people,” the chief minister said.

“Her death is an irreparable loss. May her soul rest in peace and members of her family find the strength to bear the tragedy,” he added.

Chauhan said 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”.

Swaraj passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Tuesday night after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 67.