Sheila Dikshit no more, PM Modi, Sonia Gandhi pay last respects

Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit passed away following a cardiac arrest in a private hospital in the national capital, Delhi, on Saturday (July 20).

She was admitted to the hospital in a critical state on Friday (July 19). Dikshit had undergone heart surgery in France last year and was being treated at the private hospital in the city.

“At 3:15 pm she again suffered a cardiac arrest. She was put on ventilator and at 3:55 pm she passed away peacefully,” said Dr Ashok Seth, director, Escorts Fortis, who was treating her.

Also read: Sheila Dikshit: The affable politician who gave Delhi its modern look

Dikshit’s remains were brought to her residence in Nizamuddin East and will be kept there till 11.30 am on Sunday (July 21) for near and dear to pay their last respects, before being taken to the Congress headquarters for leaders and workers to pay their tributes. The cremation will be held at the Nigambodh Ghat at 2.30 pm on Sunday (July 21).

Also read: Beloved by all, Delhi pays tributes to its architect Sheila Dikshit

Deputy chief minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia said Delhi government has decided to declare 2-day state mourning following the demise of Dikshit.

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia: Delhi government has decided to declare 2-day state mourning over the demise of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. pic.twitter.com/z1BFkak4l5

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

Several political leaders cutting across party lines, officials, party workers and journalists paid their respects to the veteran Congress leader who was the chief minister of Delhi for three terms and is credited for the modernisation of Delhi, especially for the implementation of its flyover and Metro projects, which have eased transportation infrastructure of the capital city.

Delhi: Mortal remains of Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit brought to her residence in Nizamuddin. pic.twitter.com/NRR8eBlvIr

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Dikshit’s residence and paid his respects to the Congress leader.

#WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/YV1YpychEh

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

UPA chairperson and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi too paid her respects and expressed her condolences to the former CM’s family.

Delhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. pic.twitter.com/FxKxCCT48J

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia visited her residence and consoled the bereaved family members.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal & Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pay tribute to Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/4Pu5DHQR7r

— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated to hear the news. He called her a “beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond”. He said she served “selflessly as a three-term chief minister”.

Delhi Chief Minister, who replaced Dikshit said her death is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses.

(With agencies inputs)