Sheila Dikshit, Former Delhi Chief Minister and Senior Congress Leader, Dies at 81

Sheila Dikshit — who served as the Chief Minister of Delhi for 15-years — has breathed her last today 20th July 2019. Sheila Dikshit, who was one of the most senior Congress leaders was reportedly admitted in a hospital at around 10:30 am today but unfortunately, she died at 3.30 pm. She was very close to UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi.

“We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit,” the Congress said in a tweet. “Lifelong congresswoman and as three time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief.”

We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong congresswoman and as three time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/oNHy23BpAL

— Congress (@INCIndia) July 20, 2019

As soon as the news of Sheila Dixit’s demise broke, politicians across the country expressed their grief and offered their condolences.

Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) July 20, 2019

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter expressed his sadness by recognising her contribution to Delhi’s development. He wrote on Twitter: “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. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shant.”

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was among the first one who reacted to Sheila Dixit’s demise. He took to Twitter and wrote: “Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace”

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah termed the Sheila Dikshit “a very and affectionate lady”. He wrote on Twitter: “Just heard about the tragic demise of @SheilaDikshit ji. What terrible terrible news. I’ve always known her as a very warm & affectionate lady. She did wonders for Delhi as CM & will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace.”

Just heard about the tragic demise of @SheilaDikshit ji. What terrible terrible news. I’ve always known her as a very warm & affectionate lady. She did wonders for Delhi as CM & will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 20, 2019