PRAMESH S JAIN
Highlights :
* Sushma Swaraj reportedly died of cardiac arrest at AIIMS”.
* Sushma Swaraj a leader who broke the political glass ceiling.
* Sushma Swaraj was a Youngest Cabinet Minister at 25 years of age.
* Made Indian film industry eligible for bank finance.
* Set up 6 AIIMS.
* Raised Balochistan issue in UN.
* Act East Policy.
* Resolved Doklam.
* Rescued 90,000 distressed Indians.
* Her last Twitter post was about thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the government’s move on Kashmir stating that she was waiting for this day in her lifetime.
Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest, senior health ministry officials said.
Swaraj, 67, had been rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi earlier this evening.
The senior BJP leader, who underwent a kidney transplant in 2016, had opted out of contesting in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing ill health.
As an union minister she kept up a punishing schedule travelling overseas to meet her counterparts after her recovery from her surgery.
She was a favourite on Twitter during her term in office responding to calls and messages of distress from Indians all over the world.
Earlier on Tuesday she expressed delight over the passing of key bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the same.
Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime,” Swaraj tweeted at 7:23 pm.
Swaraj who was the foreign minister 26 May, 2014 to 30 May, 2019, was the second woman to hold the office, after Indira Gandhi. She had won from Vidisha constituency in Madhya Pradesh for a second term n 2014, retaining her seat by a margin of over 400,000 votes.
A seven-time Member of Parliament, she also served as MLA for three terms. She also served as 5th Chief Minister of Delhi from 13 October, 1998 to 3 December, 1998.
At the age of 25 in 1977, she became the youngest cabinet minister in Haryana. She also served as the chief minister of Delhi in 1998.
Swaraj, who was for the Bharatiya Janata Party’s most prominent woman face, did not contest the recently held Lok Sabha elections in which the party won a massive majority. Last November, she had announced she would not contest the general elections.
Swaraj was perhaps the most ‘millennial’ minister the Indian government has ever had. From being tagged the ‘supermom’ of India by Washington Post to becoming one of the most-followed politicians on Twitter, the late external affairs minister had truly struck a chord with young and old alike with her round-the-clock social media presence, eagerness to help, and ready wit on social media.
Sushma Swaraj former foreign minister and one of the BJP’s tallest leaders respected across party lines, has died, Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences said late this evening. A number of her party colleagues and ministers have already reached the premier hospital. Among the first to arrive were Nitin Gadkari, Dr Harshvardhan, Rajnath Singh and Smriti Irani.
Senior BJP leader and former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj passed away a while ago at AIIMS on Tuesday. The BJP veteran, who died of heart attack, died at the age of 67.
“A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a series of tweets. Several senior ministers, including Harsh Vardhan, Rajnath Singh, Smriti Irani Prakash Javadekar, reached AIIMS after she was admitted to the hospital.
On Twitter, PM Modi described her as a “prolific orator and outstanding parliamentarian” who was “admired and revered across party lines”.
Ms Swaraj was rushed to the hospital by her family sometime after 9 pm today when she was taken ill.
The 67-year-old, who had a kidney transplant three years ago, had not been keeping well lately. She had not contested the recently held Lok Sabha election and opted out of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s new government for health reasons. In June, she had moved out of her official residence.
Hours before her death, Ms Swaraj had tweeted congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation bill in parliament.
India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader,” said PM Modi on Twitter, describing her as “an excellent administrator” and praising her for “her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.”
The reference was to her extraordinary response through her term as Foreign Minister to tweets that sought help from her. They ranged from seeking information on relatives stranded in avalanches in other countries to families who needed help in bringing a relative’s body home from a foreign nation. Hundreds of people sent their wishes and thanked her when it became clear that she would vacate her office.
“As soon as the news of Former Union Minister Stalwart Iron Lady Sushma Swaraj death was announced, condolences started pouring in from leaders and across nation”.
In his message,President Ram Nath Kovind said Ms Swaraj “epitomised dignity, courage & integrity in public life.Ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India,” his tweet read.
President Ram Nath Kovind:Extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Sushma Swaraj.The country has lost a much-loved leader who epitomised dignity,courage&integrity in public life.Ever willing to help others,she’ll always be remembered for her service to people of India.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu: Deeply shocked by the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj.Her death is a huge loss to the country & personal loss to me.She was an excellent administrator,outstanding Parliamentarian &a remarkable orator.My heartfelt condolences to bereaved family members.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi,in his tweets,hailed Swaraj as a “prolific orator and outstanding parliamentarian”and said she was admired and revered across party lines.She was uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the BJP,whose growth she immensely contributed to,An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled.She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations.As a minister we also saw her compassionate side,helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.A Glorious Chapter in Indian Politics Comes to an End,PM-A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his series of tweets.
Saddened by the demise of Sushma Swaraj, Union Home Minister,Amit Shah also expressed his grief.
Defence Minister,Rajnath Singh said he was deeply shocked and anguished by the sudden demise of an extremely valued colleague.
External Affairs Minister,S Jaishankar said, Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Smt Sushma Swaraj.Difficult to accept this news.The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said,
Shocked at the untimely demise of Smt. @SushmaSwaraj.Paid my respects and expressed my condolences to her family. Her speeches in the Parliament,full of substance and firepower,motivated several of us.Sharing a photo from the 2014 swearing in ceremony she said.
Harsimrat Kaur Badal Union Cabinet Minister said,Today, India lost a great leader, the world lost an exemplary human being and I lost an elder sister.The void left by the passing of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj ji can never be filled. May Waheguru grant peace and shelter to the dearly departed she said.
Smrithi Z Irani Union Cabinet Minister expressed her grief by telling,I have an axe to grind with you Didi.You made Bansuri pick a restaurant to take me for a celebratory lunch.You left without fulfilling your promise to the two of us she said.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal: Passing away of Sushma ji is an irreparable loss. People of the country will remember her contribution for a long time. Whenever any Indian got into trouble, didi took care of it herself, even when it came to the return of a single nurse from abroad he said.
Sharing a photo and Calling Sushma Swaraj as her legendary friend,Kiran Bedi, in a tweet,said,With whom I spent my University days and later on duty.Her going away is a personal and national loss.She brought warmth and care in her work.A beautiful and dignified face of an Indian woman.My legendary friend Sushma and me. With whom I spent my University days and later on duty.Her going away is a personal and national loss.She brought warmth and care in her work.A beautiful and dignified face of an Indian woman.
Swaraj’s Life a Story of Hard Work to Heights: Pranab Mukherjee |Shocked beyond words and distressed at the passing away of Sushma Swaraj.An astute parliamentarian, an effective orator & an excellent humane leader, she will forever be remembered and missed.Hers was a story of hard work to heights! My deepest condolences and prayers, Pranab Mukherjee expressed his grief.
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa expressed his grief,Nation mourns today the loss of one of the strongest leaders & finest spokespersons India has seen.Her work as the MEA has been impeccable & as a politician she inspired many women to enter politics. May her soul rest in peace. #OmShanthi#SushmaSwaraj he said in his tweet.
P. Muralidhar Rao,BJP leader said,India has lost a great leader with the demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj ji.A great parliamentarian, orator and an excellent team member.My personal association with her has been very long,very deep and very intense.From my Swadeshi days,I cannot forget her support for various issues like weavers of Telangana,fishermen of the entire country and on the farmers crisis.Even after becoming BJP member and incharge for various sectors and southern states, her personal involvement,support and guidance has always helped and not only strengthened the cause but also worked as guidance for me.I had also visited her parliamentary constituency along with her & seen her attending to different issues of constituency very closely.As Foreign Min she has attended d scores of personal issues & helped d Indians in various countries & provided Indianness to foreign policy.With Smt #SushmaSwaraj ji’s demise,BJP has lost a very important leader with vast experience and commitment to democratic values.
Om Shanti! P Muralidhar Rao expressed his grief in series of tweets.
Terribly shocked ! Huge loss to India as our beloved leader Sushma Swaraj ji is no more!Best leader.Finest orator.Advocate of Nationalism.And one of the most humble and sincere leader of @BJP4India !
Her passing away is my personal loss.Unbelievably enough, just few hours ago,she expressed in her tweet that her dream got fulfilled as the Parliament scrapped #Article370,even mentioning that she waited to see this day in her life.as if she lived her life to see only this moment & day before resting in peace.Sushma ji created a record of creating records.Right from being the youngest woman politician to being MLA to MP to Chief Minister (that too of different states),Leader of Opposition to External Affairs Minister in just 1 lifetime! What a personality.Her connect with the masses was massive.She set a new trend of public engagement while being the External Affairs Minister and gave a boost in feeling of belongingness to the Indian diaspora residing in foreign countries.I’ve grow up listening to Sushma ji’s speeches, not just decades ago but her oratory inspires even today!I remember her for continuous guidance to me, her active participation during my every election campaign, her dedication towards party & the Nation.Sushma ji, me and crores like me would miss you for ever !My heartfelt tributes.And deepest condolences to family, friends, karyakartas, innumerable fans and followers.Maharastra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his grief in series of tweets.
Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler, “My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, Smt. Sushma Swaraj ji. One of India’s most respected leaders, she showed remarkable dedication to serving her fellow citizens and took the Indo-French relationship to new heights.”
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant condoled the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The senior BJP leader was brought to AIIMS between 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm on Tuesday and was straight away taken to the emergency ward. She died a little while later. She was 67.She was closely associated with Goa. She was a very strong leader who worked for the party. It is a major loss for the BJP and the nation,” Sawant told reporters here.
Swaraj Leaves Behind a Void Which is Difficult to Fill: Jaitley | Saddened, pained & broken on the demise of Sushmaji. She was one of the most outstanding politicians in the Present Era. She distinguished in all positions. She held Senior Positions with the Party, NDA Govt. & while in opposition. She leaves behind a void which is difficult to fill.
The Congress condoled her demise.We are saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj.Our condolences to her family and loved ones, the party said.I’m shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji, an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator & an exceptional Parliamentarian, with friendships across party lines. My condolences to her family in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace. Om Shanti,” Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Twitter.
Deeply shocked and anguished by the sudden demise of an extremely valued colleague Smt.Sushma Swaraj.She was a seasoned Parliamentarian and widely respected cutting across the party lines. Her demise is a monumental loss for us, Rajnath Singh said.Smt Sushma Swaraj served the nation with diligence and brilliance. Her contribution to the nation and the party will always be remembered. I offer my heartfelt tributes to her and extend my condolences to her bereaved family,” he said in a series of tweet.
The demise of Sushma Swaraj has caused an irreparable loss for the country, the party and for me personally. May her soul rest in peace,Nitin Gadkari said.
Saddened About Untimely Demise’ |Congress in a tweet,We are saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj. Our condolences to her family and loved ones.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said,I’m shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji,an extraordinary political leader,a gifted orator and an exceptional Parliamentarian,with friendships across party lines.My condolences to her family in this hour of grief.May her soul rest in peace.Om Shanti.
Calling the demise of Sushma Swaraj terrible news,KPCC President Dinesh Gundu Rao said,One of India’s great parliamentarians,who could hold her own in any debate.Respected, affable and well-liked by all. We’re going to miss her.”
MLA Manjinder S Sirsa said,With a heavy heart, I share that India’s truly respected and loved statesman Sushma Swaraj Ji is no more.
Genuine People’s Person and Brilliant Speaker in Hindi: Tharoor | “Shocked and saddened by this news. She was a brilliant speaker in Hindi, a genuine people’s person” in Government &I was proud of our excellent relationship when I chaired the External Affairs Committee. Om Shanti…” Shashi Tharoor on the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj.
Shocked and deeply saddened by this tragic news of the demise of Sushma Swaraj, Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi said, “My sincerest condolences. Knew her from SC days, as highly cultured attendee at my wife’s ghazal & sufi recitals, most graceful, powerful orator, warm & helpful. Very soft & considerate yet committed to causes.
Never Imagined She Will Leave Us: Azad | Ghulam Nabi Azad, who arrived at AIIMS, said, “We’re shocked, we never imagined that she’ll leave us so soon. I knew her since 1977 when I was in youth Congress, we knew each other for the last 42 years. We never called each other by name, she used to call me ‘bhai’ & I used to call her ‘behen’.”
Saluting Sushma Swaraj for her service to the nation, former minister Rajeev Shukla, in a tweet, expressed his grief.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr SY Quraishi said, “I feel devastated to hear the sad news about passing on of Sushma Swaraj. Ever since she became my minister in 1977 in Haryana (youngest minister in the country) she had been very fond of me. She brought me as DG Doordarshan. Always a pillar of support. I love you ma’am! RIP.”
Sushma Swaraj Used to Call Me ‘Sharad Bhau’, Recalls Pawar | Shocked at the demise of the Sushma Swaraj, Sharad Pawar recalled that she used to call him ‘Sharad Bhau‘We’ve lost a great statesman, eloquent orator, efficient administrator, fellow parliamentarian and above all a kind-hearted person,” he said.
Expressing grief Former Prime Minister,HD Devegowda said,I am deeply saddened by the sad demise of Former Union Minister, ex-CM of Delhi @SushmaSwaraj ji.A loss to our Nation.May God give her family the courage to bear this pain.
#SushmaSwaraj he said.
Expressing grief, former Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy said, “I’m shocked to learn about the sudden demise of Former Chief Minister of Delhi, Former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj ji. May her soul rest in peace.My condolences to her family and loved ones.
DMK’s MK Stalin said he was deeply pained by the demise of Sushma Swaraj. “As a woman she scaled many heights in public life and excelled. My condolences to her family, friends and cadre,” he added.
Had the Honour of Working With Her: Sania Mirza | “Shocked at the passing away of my dear Sushma Swaraj Ji. Had the honour of working as the brand ambassador of the ‘girl child’ campaign under her able guidance and will cherish my personal relationship with her forever. R.I.P. ma’am,” Sania Mirza said in a tweet.
Shocked at the passing away of my dear Sushma Swaraj Ji. Had the honour of working as the brand ambassador of the ‘girl child’ campaign under her able guidance and will cherish my personal relationship with her forever. R.I.P. ma’am.
Expressing grief, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, “Sad! The death of Sushma Swaraj ji is an irreparable loss. May God give peace to her soul and strength to her family. Sushma ji will always be remembered for efficient leadership and excellent efficiency. Humble tribute!”
Indian Women Cricket team captain Maithali Raj said,Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of @SushmaSwaraj ji. Gone too soon. It was so refreshing to hear her speak. What a dynamic leader & a wonderful orator. Big loss for India. #RIPSushmaSwarajJi she expressed her grief.
Mamatha Banerjee West Bengal Chief Minister said,Deeply saddened,shocked at the sudden passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji.I knew her since the 1990s.Even though our ideologies differed, we shared many cordial times in Parliament. An outstanding politician, leader, good human being.Will miss her.Condolences to her family/admirers she said.
A nine-time parliamentarian, a fabulous orator and a gifted administrator, Sushma Swaraj became the youngest minister of a state back in 1977.
A former lawyer of Supreme Court, she started her political career with Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad in the 1970s.
After the death of senior party leader Pramod Mahajan in 2006, Ms Swaraj emerged as the most prominent face among the Gen Next leaders of the BJP.
She grew in stature after the BJP, contesting the 2009 Lok Sabha polls under the stewardship of LK Advani, failed to dislodge the Congress-led UPA government from the Centre. Mr Advani, who was then 86, had to make way for Ms Swaraj, as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
Before stepping into the foreign minister’s office, Sushma Swaraj has been the chief minister of Delhi, and later held the portfolios of information and broadcasting, and health in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Often described as warm hearted, acceptable to leaders across political parties, Swaraj was a surprise pick for foreign minister in Prime minister Modi’s cabinet after she won a seat as Lok Sabha MP for the seventh time from Vidisha constituency given that she was seen as a loyalist of BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani.
In meetings with her counterparts, apart from plainspeak Swaraj was known to use wit and charm to push India’s cause.
Mortal remains of Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be taken from AIIMS to her Delhi residence and will be kept there tonight people would be able to pay their respects to Ms Swaraj at her residence till 11 am and at the BJP headquarters from noon.At 3 pm she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium,where her last rites will be performed with full state honours,JP Nadda told reporters.
Swaraj had a kidney transplant in 2016 and had opted out of contesting Lok Sabha polls earlier this year for health reasons. She is survived by her husband Swaraj Kaushal and daughter Bansuri.
