
Sushma Swaraj funeral Live updates: Former External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj Wednesday was cremated with state honours at Lodhi crematorium. Swaraj was a given 21 gun-salute performed by the firing of cannons or artillery as a military honor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top leaders from across party lines bid final goodbye to Swaraj. Her daughter Bansuri performed her last rites in a departure from tradition. Swaraj passed away at the age of 67 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, after she suffered a heart attack on Tuesday night. Sushma Swaraj was admitted to the hospital around 10.15 PM, from where she was taken to the emergency ward. Meanwhile, in a series of tweets, PM Modi said Swaraj's demise was a "personal loss" for him. "She will be remembered fondly for everything that she's done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour," he said.
Follow all the latest updates on Sushma Swaraj's death on BusinessToday.In live blog.'
5.35 pm: Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe expresses sorrow at the demise of Sushma Swaraj
Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe condoled the demise of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, saying that her efforts to achieve regional policy objectives made a lasting impression among the Lankan public. In a condolence message sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said, "I have always known Mrs Swaraj as a true friend of Sri Lanka, a neighbour and a relative of Sri Lanka who held a pleasing personality."
5.04 pm: Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to Indiacondoles Sushma Swaraj's demise
"I'm deeply saddened to learn of the sudden demise of SushmaSwaraj, Former EAM of India. On behalf of the Govt&people of Japan, I wouldlike to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family & people ofIndia," said Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India.
Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India: I'm deeply saddened to learn of the sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj, Former EAM of India. On behalf of the Govt&people of Japan, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the bereaved family&people of India. (File pic) pic.twitter.com/z8ZsBRxIGL
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
4.47 pm: PM Modi, President Kovind leave Lodhi crematorium after final goodbye to Sushma Swaraj.
#WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VP Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader LK Advani, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh & others leave from Lodhi Crematorium. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/NvThkFueR2
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
4.33 pm: Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj gets 21 gun-salute.
4.25 pm: Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel condoled the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj saying that it is an "irreparable loss" for Indian politics.
4.20 pm: Sonia Gandhi writes condolence letter to Sushma Swaraj's family
Sonia Gandhi in her condolence letter to Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal said she share a warm personal relationship with the veteran leader for many years. "I am shocked and deeply saddened at the sudden passing away of your beloved wife Smt Sushma Swaraj," the Congress parliamentary party leader said. "Sushma Swaraj was a lady of extraordinary gifts, her courage, determination, dedication and ability manifest in every position she held." "Above all, it was her warm personal qualities that brought a special lustre to her years in public and political life," Sonia Gandhi added.
4.00 pm: PM Modi, Amit Shah, Ghulam Nabi Azad reach Lodhi crematorium for the last rites of Sushma Swaraj.
Delhi: PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay at Lodhi crematorium. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/YfIX6o51sp
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
3.55 pm: Traffic restrictions are imposed near Lodhi road as former External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's mortal remains reach the cremation ground. Traffic on Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, near Neela Gumbad, Moolchand Flyover, Defence Colony Flyover, Lodhi Road Flyover and on adjoining roads will be affected from 2 pm to 5:30 pm.
3.35 pm: Union ministers Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Ravi Shankar Prasad shoulder Sushma Swaraj's mortal remains.
#WATCH Rajnath Singh, JP Nadda, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Piyush Goyal & other BJP leaders give shoulder to mortal remains of #SushmaSwaraj as they are being taken from BJP headquarters to Lodhi crematorium in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/H72kZ3lpQw
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
3.30 pm: Former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal and daughter Bansuri break down the the veteran leader's funeral, pay salute as state honours are accorded to her.
3.20 pm: Top BJP leaders join Sushma Swaraj's final journey
Top BJP brass comprising Union ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and other top party leaders joined Sushma Swaraj's final journey.
3.00 pm: "I offer my prayers and my condolences at this difficult time. Sushma Swaraj enjoyed immense respect for her compassionate concern for people&her friendly demeanour. In devoting herself to service of others, she led a very meaningful life," said The Dalai Lama.
2.58 pm: Sushma Swaraj is wrapped in the Tricolour
#WATCH Former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj wrapped in tricolour at BJP headquarters in Delhi pic.twitter.com/qDsZ77xuL4
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
2.56 pm: Bansuri and Swaraj Kaushal salute as Swaraj is accorded state honours
Bansuri Swaraj and Swaraj Kaushal, daughter and husband of former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj, pay salute as state honours are accorded to her pic.twitter.com/cbQqvsm9G3
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
2.50 pm: Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, owner of MDH spice company, gets emotional while paying tribute
Delhi: Mahashay Dharampal Gulati, the owner of MDH spice company, gets emotional after paying tribute to former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/7uqkS3jPxy
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
2.46 pm: "SushmaSwaraj was a steadfast advocate for her compatriots. As External Affairs Minister, she was a key partner in strengthening US-India bilateral relationship, most prominently during the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September 2018," said US Embassy in India.
2.45 pm: Sushma Swaraj was greatly respected: US Embassy
US Embassy in Delhi: Today, the US Mission to India mourns the passing of #SushmaSwaraj. Minister Swaraj was greatly respected & viewed as an outstanding representative of the Indian people, both at home and abroad. pic.twitter.com/csTervTUi1
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
2.40 pm: Traffic near Lodhi Road to be affected due to Swaraj's cremation
Traffic will be affected near Lodhi Road due to cremation of former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, police said on Wednesday. Traffic on Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, near Neela Gumbad, Moolchand Flyover, Defence Colony Flyover, Lodhi Road Flyover and on adjoining roads will be affected from 2 pm to 5:30 pm, a senior police officer said.
2.27 pm: BJP leader Jaya Prada remembers Sushma Swaraj, says the country has lost a great leader
"We called her 'didi' & today she is no more with us. She was a mother, a sister, a huge politician & a great orator as well. She did a lot for the country, especially for the poor. We have lost a great, honest & a remarkable leader," said BJP leader Jaya Prada.
Jaya Prada, BJP: We called her 'didi' & today she is no more with us. She was a mother, a sister, a huge politician & a great orator as well. She did a lot for the country, especially for the poor. We have lost a great, honest & a remarkable leader. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/jdTmNNa5OY
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
2.15 pm: BJP workers, admirers gather in large numbers at party office
BJP workers and mourners on Wednesday gathered in large numbers at the party headquarters on Wednesday to pay their last respects to Sushma Swaraj, veteran leader, former external affairs minister and also "didi" to many of them. Some cried inconsolably and others fought back their tears as top party leaders, including BJP president Amit Shah and working president J P Nadda, covered Swaraj's body with the national flag and paid their tributes. Crowds chanted "Jab tak suraj chand rahega didi tera naam rahega" (Her name will endure till as long as the Sun and the Moon), bidding her goodbye after the hearse carrying her left her home.
2.10 pm: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pays tribute to SushmaSwaraj at party headquarters in Delhi.
Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pays tribute to former Union Minister #SushmaSwaraj at party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/eYpwgwwfNJ
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
1.50 pm: Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu pays homageto Swaraj; says he would miss her on
Describing former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj as an epitome of grace and grit, Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said in her untimely demise, the nation has lost an able administrator, an effective parliamentarian and a true voice of the people. The Upper House paid glowing tributes to the senior BJP leader, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 67. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House. When the House met for the day, Chairman Naidu read out an obituary reference on passing away of the senior leader and said she was "grace, grit, affection, amiability and ability personified".
1.35 pm: Sachin Tendulkar pays tribute to Sushma Swaraj, says she was an icon of women empowerment
Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter to condole the demise of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. "Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji. May her soul rest in peace. She was an icon of women empowerment and the one who cared for citizens from all corners of the world," he said.
Deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji.
May her soul rest in peace.
She was an icon of women empowerment and the one who cared for citizens from all corners of the world.
- Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 7, 2019
1.20 pm: BJP President Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda pay tribute to former external affairs minister SushmaSwaraj at party headquarters
BJP President Amit Shah and BJP Working President JP Nadda pay tribute to #SushmaSwaraj at party headquarters pic.twitter.com/yS3g6TX3bz
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
1.15 pm: Indian girl Geeta who was brought back from Pakistan in 2015 when late Sushma Swaraj was External Affairs Minister, pays tribute to the veteran leader.
#WATCH Indore: Geeta, the Indian girl who was brought back from Pakistan in 2015 when late Sushma Swaraj was External Affairs Minister, pays tribute. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/OtksbYMpff
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
1.10 pm: Sushma Swaraj death: Former External Affairs minister to be cremated at Lodhi crematorium with full state honours
Sushma Swaraj's mortal remains will be kept at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters for three hours today, August 7 to let people pay tribute the astute politician. Her mortal remains will be kept at BJP headquarters from 12 pm to 3 pm. Her last rites will be performed at Lodhi crematorium, said BJP working president JP Nadda.
1.07 pm: Sushma Swaraj's top achievements: From student leader in 1970 to Foreign Minister in 2014
BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj, who notched up several firsts in a political career spanning four decades, passed away on Tuesday night after suffering cardiac arrest. The list includes being the country's youngest-ever Cabinet Minister, the first woman Chief Minister of Delhi and the first woman spokesperson for any national political party.
Read more: Sushma Swaraj's top achievements: From student leader in 1970 to Foreign Minister in 2014
1.01 pm: Sushma Swaraj did not follow BJP, PM Modi on Twitter; in fact, she followed nobody
Former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj who died at AIIMS, Delhi, on Tuesday, had over 13 million followers on Twitter, including her party BJP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, but followed none. The charismatic leader, who was always active on Twitter, used the platform to address issues faced by Indians across the world in real-time.Her unique style has even encouraged her predecessor Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to emulate her approach as India's current foreign minister.
Read more: Sushma Swaraj did not follow BJP, PM Modi on Twitter; in fact, she followed nobody
12.56 pm: Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister SushmaSwaraj being moved to BJP headquarters in Delhi.
Delhi: Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj being taken to BJP headquarters pic.twitter.com/Uv4VE33jIT
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
12.45 pm: China condoles former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj's death.
"Sad to learn about the passing away of Smt SushmaSwaraj, former Minister of External Affairs of India. Appreciate her contributions to China-India relations. Express my deep condolences to her family," said Sun Weidong, Chinese envoy to India.
12.15 pm: Former PM HD Deve Gowda writes to Sushma Swaraj's husband, expresses grief over her demise.
In a letter to Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal, former PM HD Deve Gowda paid homage to the prolific orator, excellent administrator and an exceptional Parliamentarian.
Former PM&JDS leader HD Deve Gowda writes to Swaraj Kaushal, husband of late former Union Min, #SushmaSawraj: My heartfelt condolences to the family. I pray the Almighty to give your benign self, all the family members, followers&well-wishers the strength to overcome this tragedy pic.twitter.com/fu7SIp6wij
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
12.07 pm: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoles Sushma Swaraj's demise.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has condoled the demise of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, describing her as a great parliamentarian and an exceptionally talented minister. "I was shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj. I have fond memories of my association with her when she was Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. She was a leader of high esteem who was highly respected by everybody irrespective of party-lines. She was a great Parliamentarian and exceptionally talented Minister of the Union Government. We have lost a respected and dedicated leader," Manmohan Singh said in his condolence message.
11.59 am: Uttarakhand govt declares state mourning for Sushma Swaraj.
"It's a huge loss for the nation. We have declared state mourning today," Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat told ANI.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat: Extremely sad over the sudden demise of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. It's a huge loss for the nation. I pay tributes. We have declared state mourning today. pic.twitter.com/Lu1VyXW7e8
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
11.50 am: FICCI grieves the sad demise of Ms Sushma Swaraj.
FICCI grieves the sad demise of former external affairs minister and a towering leader in Indian politics, Ms Sushma Swaraj.
"India has lost a great parliamentarian, people's minister, and exemplary leader. Our condolences. FICCI and Indian Industry saddened by the passing away of a friend and supporter of industry," said Mr Sandip Somany, President, FICCI.
Sushma ji devoted her whole life to public service and scripted a glorious chapter in Indian politics. She was a remarkable leader who earned respect across the board and was a source of inspiration not only for her own party colleagues, but also for others.
11.43 am: Difficult to fill space left by Sushma Swaraj: J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik express grief over Swaraj's demise, says Difficult to fill space left by the veteran leader.
"Express grief over the sudden demise of former Union Minister and veteran political leader Sushma Swaraj. It's difficult to fill the space left by her. I pray for peace to departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in their hour of grief," J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik said.
Jammu&Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik: Express grief over the sudden demise of former Union Minister & veteran political leader Sushma Swaraj. It's difficult to fill the space left by her. I pray for peace to departed soul & strength to the bereaved family in their hour of grief pic.twitter.com/izz6DaIyum
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
11.40 am: Senior BJP leader LK Advani, daughter Pratibha Advani pay homage to Swaraj.
Senior BJP leader LK Advani and his daughter Pratibha Advani break down as they meet Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal and her daughter Bansuri.
11.34 am: Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa paid last respects to former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi, today.
Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa paid last respects to former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi, today. pic.twitter.com/U5TyMLXO5s
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
11.25 am: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoles Swaraj's death.
Chief Minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal condoled her death, saying the country has lost a great leader. "India has lost a great leader. Sushma ji was a very warm and remarkable person. May her soul rest in peace," Kejriwal tweeted.
India has lost a great leader. Sushma ji was a very warm and remarkable person. May her soul rest in peace.
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 7, 2019
11.20 am: Delhi government on Wednesday declared a two-day mourning in the national capital as a mark of respect for senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away on Tuesday. "Delhi govt will observe two days state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister & senior leader respected Sushma Swaraj ji," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.
Delhi govt will observe two days state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister & senior leader respected Sushma Swaraj ji
- Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 7, 2019
11.03 am: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader SushmaSwaraj.
Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/JGcOonKchv
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.59 am: Haryana Government declares 2-day State mourning in honour of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister SushmaSwaraj.
Haryana Government will observe a 2-day State mourning in honour of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/BpB5CtA2gh
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.55 am: Israeli Ambassador to India, Ron Malka pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader SushmaSwaraj.
Delhi: Israeli Ambassador to India, Ron Malka pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/SngyXk1qjx
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.50 am: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses media outside Sushma Swaraj's residence.
10.44 am: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader SushmaSwaraj.
Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/ClIM64WNMi
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.41 am: Russian ambassador to India pays homage to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Nikolay R Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, said, "With a feeling of deep sorrow, we came to know about premature passing away of Sushma Swaraj. Please accept my deepest condolences on this irreparable loss of your predecessor, India's outstanding politician and diplomat. "She was known in Russia as steadfast defender and promoter of India's international interests and its global power reputation. She was a sincere friend of Russia, contributing to strengthening our privileged strategic partnership. She'll always dwell in our hearts. May her soul rest in peace," he added.
Nikolay R Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India: With a feeling of deep sorrow we came to know about premature passing away of #SushmaSwaraj. Please accept my deepest condolences on this irreparable loss of your predecessor, India's outstanding politician and diplomat. (file pic) pic.twitter.com/UHoJ8Wd17S
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.35 am: Congress leader Rajeev Shukla has reached Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay last respects.
10.31 am: Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/SQrggyllgE
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.25 am: Veteran Congress leader and Rajya Sabha member Digvijay Singh has reached Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay last respects.
10.20 AM: LK Advani consoles family members of Swaraj
Delhi: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tributes to former EAM Sushma Swaraj at her residence. His daughter Pratibha Advani gets emotional as she meets #SushmaSwaraj's daughter, Bansuri. pic.twitter.com/3tfGAUL3I4
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.15 AM: PM Modi gets emotional
Watch Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/Sv02MtoSiH
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
10.11 AM: Governor Satya Pal Malik expresses grief
Governor Satya Pal Malik describes her as a "dynamic politician, a symbol of women empowerment, who always worked for the betterment of the country."
10.02 AM: Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Delhi: Samajwadi Party founder and former Uttar Pradesh CM, Mulayam Singh Yadav pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/YZMo6OmyDI
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.55 am: PM Modi reaches former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay his last respects.
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/Sv02MtoSiH
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.45 am: Union Home Minister Amit Shah will reach former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's resident to pay his last repects shortly.
9.35 am: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reaches former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay last respects.
9.28 AM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay last respect to the former external affairs minister at her residence shortly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj at her residence, shortly. He will later attend her last rites in the evening. (file pics) pic.twitter.com/V2NQViEByo
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.26 AM: President Ram Nath Kovind pays last tribute to the former external affairs minister.
Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. pic.twitter.com/7IAj9WINol
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.21 AM: To me, it's an irreparable loss, says LK Advani
The nation has lost a remarkable leader. To me, it is an irreparable loss and I will miss Sushmaji's presence immensely. May her soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Swaraj ji, Bansuri & all members of her family. Om Shanti.
Senior BJP leader LK Advani: The nation has lost a remarkable leader. To me, it is an irreparable loss and I will miss Sushmajis presence immensely. May her soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Swaraj ji, Bansuri & all members of her family. Om Shanti. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/4FuLwWAgli
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.07 AM: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal pays last respects to the Bharatiya Janata Party leader.
Delhi: Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal pays last respects to Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/19SZnP2Lp0
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
9.04 AM: My condolences to the family, says Rahul Gandhi
Im 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.
Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2019
My condolences to her family in this hour of grief.
May her soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti
9.01 AM: We express our sincere condolences: Russian foreign ministry
We express our sincere condolences to the people of India on the premature passing away of the former Foreign Minister of this friendly country.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia: We express our sincere condolences to the people of India on the premature passing away of the former Foreign Minister of this friendly country. #SushmaSwaraj (file pic) pic.twitter.com/VAeOvXCsiI
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
8.56 AM: Yoga guru Ramdev pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
Delhi: Yog guru Ramdev pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. She passed away last night due to cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/ky2wTfsvhN
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
8.53 AM: Deepest condolences, says BSP supremo Mayawati
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Mayawati (@Mayawati) August 6, 2019
8.48 AM: BJP MP Rama Devi gets emotional
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rama Devi gets emotional while speaking about former External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, says, "As long as I'm breathing, I will stay connected with her. She has left this world but will live in a better place."
8.47 AM: Deeply saddened, shocked at sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj, says Mamata
"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 says.
#WATCH Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Rama Devi gets emotional while speaking about former External Affairs Minister, #SushmaSwaraj, says, "As long as I'm breathing, I will stay connected with her. She has left this world but will live in a better place." pic.twitter.com/PvQ9jYN696
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
8.46 AM: Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister at her residence.
8.45 AM: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Hema Malini pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at her residence.
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
Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 6, 2019
8.36 AM: Have no words, says RS Prasad
Delhi: Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. She passed away last night due to cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/hQJ8E9r0pm
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
8.34 AM: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sushma Swaraj's death
"Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of #SushmaSwaraj. Difficult to accept this news. The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so."
Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party leader Hema Malini pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. pic.twitter.com/HkYGj4TNke
ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
8.31 AM: Country has lost a much loved leader: President
"Extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Smt Sushma Swaraj. The country has lost a much loved leader who 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."
#WATCH Union Minister RS Prasad tears up while talking about #SushmaSwaraj; says, "when I came back from Parliament today, I saw her tweet(Swaraj tweeted on Article 370 revoked-"I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime"), & then news came that she is no more. I've no words." pic.twitter.com/M9eLmJjg1i
ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
8.20 AM: Ghulam Nabi Azad on Sushma Swaraj's death
"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 last 42 years. We never called each other by name, she used to call me 'bhai' & I used to call her 'behen'."
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar: Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of #SushmaSwaraj. Difficult to accept this news. The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so. (File pics) pic.twitter.com/8VW54cUKpo
ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
8.15 AM: Shocked by sudden demise of Swaraj, says Venkaiah Naidu
Deeply shocked by sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj. 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.
,
President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2019
8.14 PM: Leaders pay tributes to Sushma Swaraj
TMC MP Derek O'Brien and Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader Sushma Swaraj at her residence.
G N Azad, Congress: 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 last 42 years. We never called each other by name, she used to call me 'bhai' & I used to call her 'behen'. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/A9Iua6LE6P
ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
8.13 AM: Mortal remains to be kept at BJP headquartersfor 3 hours
Sushma Swaraj's mortal remains will be kept at the BJP headquarters for three hours from 12 pm to 3 pm to let people pay tributes the astute politician.
7.52 AM: Her spirit and commitment was unparalleled: PM Modi
"I can't forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled," says the PM.
7.48 AM: Sushma Swaraj's last tweets
Sushma Swaraj thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the abrogation of Section 370 in her last tweet hours before she passed away on late Tuesday evening. Swaraj had posted a few other tweets on Monday too, congratulating Home Minister Amit Shah and the parliamenterians on the passage of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill in the Rajya Sabha.
6.30 AM: Mortal remains of Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj being taken from All India Institutes of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to her Delhi residence, where they will be kept tonight.
Vice Pres M Venkaiah Naidu: Deeply shocked by sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj. 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 pic.twitter.com/wtDYwEEZd5
ANI (@ANI) August 6, 2019
7.40 AM: She played a key role in bettering India's ties with nations: PM Modi
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.
Also read: 'We will miss you': India mourns Sushma Swaraj's death
7.30 AM: Prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian: PM Modi
Sushma Ji was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian. 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.
7.15 AM: A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end: PM Modi
"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."
7.00 AM: Senior leaders meet the bereaved family
A host of Union ministers and other senior party leaders visited AIIMS and met the bereaved family of the former external affairs minister on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Environment Minster Prakash Javadekar, HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal and Union Minister Smriti Irani were among the top leaders who visited the hospital.
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