The message, in the official twitter handle of the Congress party at about 10. 20 am today, read - "We regret to hear about the passing away of Sridevi. A legend who will continue to live in our hearts through her stellar body of work. Our deepest condolence to her loved ones. She was awarded the Padma Shri by the UPA govt in 2013.
We regret to hear about the passing away of Sridevi. An actor par excellence. A legend who will continue to live in our hearts through her stellar body of work.
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 25, 2018
Our deepest condolences to her loved ones. pic.twitter.com/RPagwsnX9h
Minutes later came a second tweet which spoke about awards won by Sridevi, highlighting the Padma Shri she received in 2013. "She received a multitude of awards including the fourth highest civilian award the Padma Shri in 2013 by the Govt of India & 6 Filmfare awards, the first at the age of 14. Sridevi started her career at the age of 4 in 'Thunaivan'. Her Bollywood debut was in 'Julie' at 12.
She received a multitude of awards including the fourth highest civilian award the Padma Shri in 2013 by the Govt of India & 6 Filmfare awards, the first at the age of 14. Sridevi started her career at the age of 4 in 'Thunaivan'. Her Bollywood debut was in 'Julie' at 12. pic.twitter.com/xQ1Kax4emV
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 25, 2018
In 2012, after a 15 year break she delivered the much appreciated English Vinglish. She is India's first female superstar. She'll be missed. pic.twitter.com/sd3FfF8azT
— Congress (@INCIndia) February 25, 2018
But Congress' tweets could not stop the barrage of criticisms - one of them read, "How could you make politics of a person or awards given to the same". Another said, "Don't you feel ashamed of such tweets? Is it necessary to mention she got Padma Shri award by "UPA government" hopeless person who is handling this account". And some advised Congress to "think above politics".
So u deleted the last post where you said award was given by UPA govt...why so you make mockery of a sad situation evry time..think above politics....no wonder people have given you only 40 odd seats in elections...because u so politics out of anything ..bad
— Nithin K Bhandary (@BantwalNITHIN) February 25, 2018
The sudden death of Sridevi has shocked the country. The actor died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Saturday in Dubai where she was attending the wedding of actor Mohit Marwah, a nephew of the Kapoor family. Considered the first female superstar of Indian cinema she has left behind a body of work which directors say is for the textbooks of Indian cinema.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world