‘Devastated’, ‘extremely terrible’: Politicians across party lines pay tributes to Sheila Dikshit

Condolences started pouring in from all quarters as soon as the news of three-time Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit's sudden demise surfaced. Sheila Dikshit, who was hospitalised at Fortis Escorts heart institute in a critical state, died at the age of 81 on Saturday. According to reports, the three-time Delhi chief minister from Congress had suffered a massive cardiac arrest this morning and was rushed to the hospital. At 4.45 am, she suffered another heart attack and breathed her last at 4:55 am, the reports said. From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, political leaders across the party line mourned the senior Congress leader's death.

Here are the reactions of political leaders on Sheila Dikshit's demise:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi: 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.

Rahul Gandhi: I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila 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.

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: 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.

Congress Party: We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong congresswoman and as three time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief

Shashi Tharoor: She was an outstanding Chief Minister, a warm & outgoing friend & above all a wonderful human being. I am privileged to have known her since my college days. I shall miss her terribly — & so does Delhi already.

NC Leader Omar Abdullah: 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.

Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari: Deeply pained to hear the sad and sudden demise of Sheila Dixit Ji Ex CM Delhi.. May God bless her soul and give her eternal peace..Delhi will miss you Ma’am, u were a mother figure in my life...#RIPSheilaDixit

Sushma Swaraj: I am sorry to know about the sudden demise of Sheila Dixit ji. We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being.

Home Minister Amit Shah: Union Home Minister Amit Shah expreesed his condolonces for the family members of Sheila Dikshit.

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुखी हूँ। मैं उनके परिजनों और समर्थकों के प्रति अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर दु:ख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिवार को शक्ति दे और दिवंगत आत्मा को चिर शांति प्रदान करे ।
ॐ शांति शांति शांति

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 20, 2019