Daughter, husband give farewell to Sushma Swaraj with a ‘salute’

Sushma Swaraj, one of the fiercest leaders of BJP, who was known for her exception oratory skill was laid to rest on Wednesday at Lodi crematorium after she suffered a massive cardiac arrest. Soon after the news of her demise came to the foray, leaders across different party lines visited her residence to pay their last tributes.

Shortly before the funeral procession started, Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri Swaraj and husband Swaraj Kaushal were seen saying farewell with a salute. The government accorded full state honours to Sushma Swaraj, whom PM Modi described last night as "remarkable leader" with a "compassionate side" who not only played a key role in bettering India's ties with various nations, but also "helped fellow Indians in distress in any part of the world".

Last November, when Sushma Swaraj announced her intention to retire from active politics, Swaraj Kaushal had won over Twitter, saying a big "Thank you" and commenting that "even Milkha Singh has stopped running".

"This marathon has been on since 1977 - that is 41 years. You have contested 11 direct elections. In fact you contested all elections held since 1977 except twice when party did not allow you to contest in 1991 and 2004," he posted from his account.

"I am also running behind you for the last 47 years. I am no longer a 19-year-old. Please - I am also running out of breath. Thank you," another tweet read. Hundreds of people, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and veteran party leader L K Advani bade her farewell.

Swaraj, who also served as the Leader of Opposition and chief minister of Delhi, was given full state honours after which her body was cremated in the electric crematorium.  Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, several leaders from the NDA as well the opposition, were also present.

The body of the long-time BJP leader, who died here on Tuesday at the age of 67, was brought to the crematorium from the party office.