Condolences pour in for Sheila Dikshit; Prez, PM recall her contributions in Delhi's development

Condolences poured in from various quarters after the demise of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Saturday, with President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalling the "momentous transformation" of the national capital during her tenure.

A host of leaders cutting across party lines, including Prime Minister Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Delhi chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, paid their last respects at her residence in Nizamuddin where her body was kept.

A veteran Congress leader, Dikshit (81) died after suffering a cardiac arrest at a private hospital here Saturday afternoon.

Offering condolences to Dikshit's family and associates, President Kovind said, "Her term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered."
In a tweet, Modi said, "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."
Priyanka, who was in Uttar Pradesh, told reporters in Varanasi, "She was a tall leader of the Congress. Her contributions to the party, to the politics of the entire nation, especially Delhi, will always be remembered."
Later she tweeted, "Sheila ji will always be remembered for her years of exemplary governance and immense contribution to the development of Delhi. I will miss her wise counsel, her sweet smile and the warmth with which she would hug me whenever we met."
Former president Pranab Mukherjee said, "I am saddened and shocked at the passing away of Smt Sheila Dikshit. A former Union Minister, 3 time CM and Governor, in her death I have lost a long time friend and colleague. My thoughts are with her aggrieved family and friends."
BJP president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said, "I am extremely saddened at the demise of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit. I express my condolences to her families and supporters. May god give strength to her family in this hour of grief."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said she was "a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature. Sheila-ji was widely respected cutting across party lines."
Bollwyood actor Akshay Kumar said, "Extremely sad to know about the passing away of #SheilaDixit ji...she effectively changed the face of Delhi during her tenure. Heartfelt condolences to her family."
BJP working president J P Nadda said, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Condolences to her family and supporters in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace."
Union minister Prakash Javedekar said Dikshit "was respected by all the parties." Dikshit's party colleague and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Deeply shocked and anguished to know about the demise of Sheila Dixit Ji. it is a great loss for Congress Party. She was a mass leader and would be hugely missed. May her soul RIP and may God give strength to the bereaved family."
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said she "has made a tremendous contribution to the city of Delhi and millions of its people. Her absence will be deeply felt. Personally too, it is a very sad day."
Former Union minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said, "We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being."
Former Rajasthan CM Vasundhara Raje tweeted, "Saddened by the demise... I convey my sincere condolences to her family in this hour of grief."