Former External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night at New Delhi’s AIIMS she was 67 years old.
Swaraj had considerable international stature being well respected the world over, UN Gen Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa called her an ‘extraordinary’ woman and leader who devoted her life to public service. Swaraj had attended UN sessions a multiple times inaugurating the first international day of Yoga in June 2015 besides addressing the UN General Assembly in Hindi
As a politician Swaraj was respected and admired by collogues and opponents alike, the ruling party and opposition came together to bid farewell to the veteran BJP leader. President Ram Nath Kovind lead the nation in paying tributes to the popular leader
President Kovind tweeted “The country has lost a much loved leader who epitomized dignity, courage & integrity in public life. Ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India.”
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu described her demise as a personal loss and described her as an “excellent administrator outstanding parliamentarian and remarkable orator.”
Prime Minister Modi in his tweet described Swaraj as “one-of-a-kind” who was a “source of inspiration for crores of people”
He credited her for playing an important role in improving India’s ties with various nations besides praising her for being a compassionate person who was Eveready to help fellow countrymen. Home Minister Amit Shah said that Swaraj ji had left an indelible mark in the Nation’s politics and highlighted how she was strong and respected voice when BJP was in the opposition. An emotional Nitin Gadkari described her as an elder sister who served the party since its inception “she played a significant role in its expansion of the party, when I was the president of BJP she gave me guidance as an elder sister”
Former President Pranab Mukherjee remembered her as an “astute parliamentarian, an effective orator and an excellent humane leader she will forever be remembered and missed, here’s was a story of hard work to the heights.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Swaraj as an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator and an exceptional parliamentarian and said she had friendships across party lines. “My condolences to her family in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” he tweeted.
Nepali Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli expressed condolences on the demise of Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Oli conveyed shock at the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj. The Nepali PM expressed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the Government and people of India apart from the bereaved family.
Oli fondly recalled how Swaraj used to call him brother and shared feelings of affinity.
Pradeep Kumar Gyawali the Foreign Minister of Nepal also condoled demise of Swaraj. He conveyed his sadness due to her demise.
He expressed condolences to the family, Government and people of India on the loss of a leader with commitment, vision and spirituality.
He noted that he had worked closely with Swaraj to strengthen bilateral ties when she held office.
