TN, Puducherry CMs, Bedi condole Swaraj's demise

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami expressed grief on Wednesday over the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and hailed her contributions to the country.

He described Swaraj as "one of the highly-respected women leaders" in the world of politics and said her demise was a "great loss" to the country.

The veteran leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Tuesday night following a massive cardiac arrest, was 67.

"I was shocked and grieved on hearing about the demise of Sushma Swaraj, who had held various portfolios including that of external affairs," Palaniswami said in a statement here.

The former Delhi chief minister was "one of the highly-respected women leaders in the world of politics", he said, adding that she was an example to the women of the country.

Starting her career as a Supreme Court lawyer, she later entered the world of politics and went on to become the chief minister of Delhi, Palaniswami said.

As the external affairs minister, Swaraj was quick to address issues concerning Indians abroad, thus, earning their love, he said, adding that she was also active on social media platforms, where she would respond to people's queries, and in this way, she had earned the goodwill of youngsters.

"She was cordial to leaders of all political hues and her demise is a great loss not just to her family, but the country," the chief minister said.

Expressing his sympathies with Swaraj's family, he prayed that her soul reached the holy abode.

Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy also condoled Swaraj's demise.

In her condolence message, Bedi said, "The passing away of Sushma Swaraj is a personal and national loss. She brought warmth and care in her work."