Sushma Swaraj wins hearts of millions by helping people from hospital bed

People’s favourite External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj has managed to win more hearts in last one week despite being hospitalised for kidney transplant.

The veteran BJP leader, who is being treated at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) for kidney failure, has not let her absence affect the work flow of her ministry in her absence. 

Swaraj is reportedly still clearing files and holding discussions, while her two junior ministers have been standing in for her during state visits by foreign leaders. 

The External Affairs Minister has even managed to help an Indian in London, a Japanese woman in Kerala and an American tourist in Delhi.

Indian in London, Dec 2

Swaraj came to the rescue of a London-based NRI seeking help in renewing his passport. Kunwar Bisht wants to visit the country for a medical emergency in the family.

Bisht had sought help from the External Affairs Minister for a visa renewal so that he could attend his ailing father, who is on ventilator support. Swaraj was quick to act and tweeted: “Indian High Commission in London will help you.”

Japanese woman in Kerala, Dec 2

External Affairs Minister asked the Kerala government to expedite the trial in a case of alleged rape of a Japanese woman in the state's Kovalam district last month.

In a series of tweets, she said, "I asked for a report from Government of Kerala about the rape of a Japanese tourist on 25 Nov 2016. We have received the report."

"The statement of the victim has been recorded before a Magistrate and the accused has been apprehended."

"I have asked Government of Kerala to expedite the trial and keep us informed about the case."

American national in Delhi, Dec 2

Sushma Swaraj assured that the government would initiate action against the culprits, who allegedly gang-raped a US woman at a five-star hotel near Connaught Place earlier this year.

"I have seen the media reports about gang rape of an American tourist in Delhi in March this year. I have spoken to the Lt Governor Delhi and told him that Police should register a case and bring the guilty to book. I have also asked Indian Ambassador in US to contact the victim and assure her that we will not spare the guilty," Swaraj tweeted.

According to a news report, Swaraj is in regular touch with foreign secretary S Jaishankar, both over phone and in person, for deliberations on key policy issues. A key aide to Swaraj said the minister is also in regular touch with her office, clearing files and notes.