Former EAM and BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj passes away

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday night in New Delhi; She was 67.

Several senior ministers, including Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, reached AIIMS after she was admitted to the hospital.

Sushma Swaraj had a kidney transplant in 2016 and had opted out of contesting Lok Sabha polls earlier this year for health reasons.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, BJP President and Home Minister Amit Shah and several other leaders have expressed condolence over the demise of Sushma Swaraj.

In his condolence message, President Kovind said, he is extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Sushma Swaraj. He said, the country has lost a much loved leader who epitomized dignity, courage and integrity in public life. 

The President said, ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India.

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said, death of Sushma Swaraj is a huge loss to the country and personal loss to him. He said, Swaraj was an excellent administrator, outstanding Parliamentarian and a remarkable orator.

Prime Minister Modi condoled the demise of Sushma Swaraj, saying a glorious chapter in Indian politics had come to an end. In a  series of tweets, he said, India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. He described her demise as a personal loss.

The Prime Minister said, Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people. He said, Sushma Ji was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian who was admired and revered across party lines.

Describing her as an excellent administrator, the Prime Minister said, Swaraj set high standards in every ministry she handled. Mr Modi said, his thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour.

In his condolence message, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, Sushma Swaraj was a seasoned Parliamentarian and widely respected cutting across the party lines.

BJP President Amit Shah said, Sushma Swaraj’s death is an irreparable loss to the BJP and Indian Politics. Mr Shah said, she
has left an indelible mark in Indian politics in various roles such as an ardent speaker, an ideal activist, popular public representative and a hardworking minister.

BJP working president J P Nadda said, Swaraj was an example of an ideal personality, be as an opposition leader or as external affairs minister.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar expressed his shock and said Swaraj set an example by connecting the common man’s need to the External Affairs Ministry.

Prasar Bharati Chairman A. Surya Prakash said, Sushma Swaraj was a truly endearing public figure who treated every person with empathy.

The mortal remains of the departed leader has been brought to her residence from AIIMS, New Delhi. Talking to reporters, BJP Working President J P Nadda said that the mortal remains of Swaraj will be kept at her residence for people to pay last respects.

He  said, around 11 AM today, her mortal remains will be brought to BJP Headquarters to pay last respects. After that at 3 PM, her mortal remains will be taken to Lodhi Road Crematorium, where her last rites will be performed with full State honours.

She is survived by her husband Swaraj Kaushal and daughter Bansuri.