Sheila Dikshit, Delhi’s longest serving chief minister and a senior Congress leader, died on Saturday at the age of 81. Dikshit was admitted to the Escorts Hospital in the national capital a few days ago, her family and the party said.
Tributes poured in on Twitter as news of her death was made official President Ram Nath Kovind and various politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have expressed their condolences on the veteran Congress leader’s death.
“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 Shanti,” PM Modi tweeted along with a picture of him and Ms Dikshit.
Sheila Dikshit was the president of the Delhi Congress. She served as Delhi’s chief minister for 15 years from 1998-2013 and also served as the governor of Kerala.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh stated that he was shocked to learn of her death and that the country has lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses.
The Delhi government has announced two-day state mourning in view of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit’s death today.
Sheila Dikshit’s body will be taken to the Congress headquarters at 12 pm tomorrow. Her last rites will be performed at 2.30 pm, the Congress said.
