Sushma Swaraj was cremated with state honours today (PTI)
Sushma Swaraj has been cremated with state honours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended Sushma Swaraj's funeral at Delhi's Lodhi Crematorium. Her body was kept at the BJP headquarters in Delhi from 12 pm - 3 pm for people to pay respects today after which it was taken to the crematorium.
Sushma Swaraj was one of the most respected leaders of the ruling BJP and will perhaps be best remembered for her tenure as External Affairs Minister till earlier this year. She died at Delhi's AIIMS hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 67.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional this morning as he paid homage to Ms Swaraj, easily one of India's most-admired political leaders. Describing her death as a "personal loss", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a "glorious chapter in Indian politics has come to an end".
Here are the highlights:
"Her responsiveness and compassion won her the respect of people around the world": Rahul Gandhi writes to Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal
Rahul Gandhi wrote a letter to Sushma Swaraj's husband Swaraj Kaushal after her death, remembering her contributions to Indian polity.
US State Secretary remembers Sushma Swaraj in a tweet
"Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former #India External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. She was a strong partner who shared our view that a more democratic world is a more peaceful one. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of India," tweeted US State Secretary Mike Pompeo.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VP Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader LK Advani, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh & others leave Lodhi Crematorium
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VP Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader LK Advani, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh & others leave Lodhi Crematorium: news agency ANI
China "deeply mourns for the passing of Madam Sushma Swaraj": statement
China on Wednesday condoled the death of external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and recalled her important contributions in the development of bilateral relations, reported news agency PTI.
"Madam Sushma Swaraj is a senior Indian politician," Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in written response, according to PTI.
"China deeply mourns for the passing of Madam Sushma Swaraj and expresses sincere condolences to her family," Hua said.
"Her demise is my personal loss," Devendra Fadnavis pays tribute to Sushma Swaraj
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday described the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj as a "personal loss", reported news agency PTI.
In a video message, he described the senior BJP leader as "well-cultured and immensely talented."
"We never thought such a well-cultured, intelligent and immensely talented leader Sushma-ji will leave us. People like me have suffered a big shock due to her death," Mr Fadnavis was quoted as saying by PTI.
"Her demise is my personal loss. She had wished me on my birthday (on July 22), saying I was doing a good job. I received her affection. I am at a loss for words as I try to pay homage to her," Mr Fadnavis said.
Sushma Swaraj "put people at the core of the Indian diplomacy": Foreign Ministry pays tributes to Sushma Swaraj
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) team mourned the death of Sushma Swaraj saying she left a lasting legacy for "putting people at the core of the Indian diplomacy", reported news agency IANS.
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted: #TeamMEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister #sushmaswaraj. Enjoying immense respect within the Ministry and outside, for her compassionate and amiable personality, she has left a lasting legacy for putting people at the core of Indian diplomacy."
Gun Salute for Sushma Swaraj begins
Gun salute, with full state honours, begins for Sushma Swaraj, before last rites.
PM Modi pays his respects to Sushma Swaraj
PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are at the Lodhi crematorium
PM Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and former Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay at Lodhi crematorium: news agency ANI
Final rites of Sushma Swaraj to begin soon
Final rites of Sushma Swaraj to begin soon. Political leaders have assembled at the crematorium where the rites will be conducted.
The body of Sushma Swaraj is currently being taken to Delhi's Lodhi crematorium for her last rites.
The Dalai Lama tweeted saying, "I offer my prayers & my condolences at this difficult time."
Remembering Sushma Swaraj, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said, "She was happy with the recent historic development in the nation, as she expressed before she left us. We express condolences to her family in this moment of grief."
Condoling the demise, US Embassy in Delhi said, "Today, the US Mission to India mourns the passing of Sushma Swaraj. Minister Swaraj was greatly respected & viewed as an outstanding representative of the Indian people, both at home and abroad."
Traffic Advisory
Due to cremation of former foreign minister and BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj, at Lodhi Road crematorium, the traffic will remain affected on Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Neela Gumbad, Moolchand Flyover, Defence Colony Flyover, Lodhi Road Flyover and adjoining roads from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. Motorists are advised to avoid these roads and plan their journey accordingly.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pays tribute to former foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj at party headquarters.
Sushma Swaraj, India's former external affairs minister who made the foreign ministry accessible to the public has died. She was 67. The senior leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Ms Swaraj suffered a cardiac arrest Tuesday evening in New Delhi. She was foreign minister during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi government from 2014 to 2019. After a renal transplant about three years back, Ms Swaraj opted out of contesting the general elections earlier this year.
Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj being taken to BJP headquarters
Geeta, who was brought back from Pakistan in 2015 when late Sushma Swaraj was External Affairs Minister, pays tribute to the leader.
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa paid tributes to former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj at her residence. He remembered her as an excellent orator and exceptional leader who rose to great heights in her political career as a committed soldier of this country. "Sushma Swaraj served as the Minister of External Affairs of India and was the second woman to hold office after Indira Gandhi. Her proactive outreach to people in distress and accessibility to citizens earned her love and respect from the masses. She was hailed as India's best-loved politician by global media", he said.
Preparations at BJP headquarters in Delhi, where Sushma Swaraj will be kept for people to pay their last respect.
Former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj, admired across party lines and loved by Twitter, died on Tuesday. Among the most active Indian leaders on social media, she leaves behind a legacy of an easily-accessible minister who helped Indians abroad in distress with her quick responses to pleas for help. Have a look at some throwback photos tweeted by Sushma Swaraj.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat condoled 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.
Sushma Swaraj Death
Sarabjit Singh's sister Dalbir Kaur expressed her shock and grief at the death of Sushma Swaraj.
Sushma Swaraj Tributes
Former union minister Sushma Swaraj's death was "deeply distressing", BJP patriarch LK Advani said this morning, sharing fond memories of the politician he had mentored. LK Advani was seen in tears as he visited Sushma Swaraj's home to condole her death. Mr Advani's daughter Pratibha was also seen breaking down as she hugged Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri. Mr Advani, 91, said in his tribute he could not recall a single year when she missed bringing his favourite chocolate cake on his birthday. Ms Swaraj was someone whom he had known and worked with since "the beginning of her illustrious innings" in the BJP, said the veteran, who had spotted her as a promising young activist to include in his team.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda writes to Swaraj Kaushal, husband of late former Union Minister Sushma Sawraj, saying, "My heartfelt condolences to the family. I pray the Almighty to give your benign self, all the family members, followers and well-wishers the strength to overcome this tragedy."
Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa paid last respects to former Union Minister at her residence in Delhi today.
Sushma Swaraj, one of the BJP's most beloved leaders, has left a party in grief. Many party leaders paid an emotional tribute to a politician they described as the mentor who hand-held them through politics, parliament and the government. Union Minister Smriti Irani was among the first leaders to reach Delhi's AIIMS hospital after news emerged that Sushma Swaraj was critically ill. On Twitter, she posted a poignant message about a lunch that never happened. "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," Smriti Irani tweeted, referring to Ms Swaraj's daughter.
Rajya Sabha observes a minute of silence
Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu remembered the stalwart in an opening speech to the Upper House today and minute of silence was observed in mourning.
Sushma Swaraj Death News
Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi of the Congress also paid tribute to former foreign minister and BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj.
Paying his last respects, Nikolay R Kudashev, Russian Ambassador to India, says, "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."
Sushma Swaraj DeathHaryana Government will observe a 2-day State mourning in honour of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Israeli Ambassador to India, Ron Malka pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader said, "Very tough to believe Sushmaji is no more. Worked very closely with her in d last several years."
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrives at Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay last respects to the former foreign minister, who died on Tuesday after suffering from a cardiac arrest.
An artist from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, Mohammad Zuhaib, pays his last respects to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj by making a charcoal portrait.
Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at her home.
Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj at her home.
PM Modi Pays TributePrime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to Sushma Swaraj. An emotional PM Modi, spoke to Sushma Swaraj's husband and daughter, expressing his condolences.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia pay last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi.
Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav gets emotional after paying tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Samajwadi Party founder and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mulayam Singh Yadav pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj at her residence, shortly.
PM Modi to pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj at her residence, shortly.
President Ram Nath Kovind pays homage to Sushma Swaraj
Senior BJP leader LK Advani tweeted a condolence message
President Kovind Visits Swaraj's Residence
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at late leader Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay homage.
Yog guru Ramdev pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence. She died last night due to cardiac arrest.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu said, "Deeply saddened and shocked by the news of untimely demise of former Union Minister Smt #SushmaSwaraj, who was a principled leader, splendid orator with full of dignity & grace. The country has lost one of its tallest leader. My sincere condolence. May her soul rest in peace!"
Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence.
Official Spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs has tweeted: Team MEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Delhi government declares 2-day mourning
The Delhi government today 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 died on Tuesday. Sushma Swaraj died at AIIMS, Delhi after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 67.
BJP lawmaker Hema Malini tweeted saying, "A big loss to our nation."
Sushma Swaraj, whose death on Tuesday left the nation in grief, was one of the most respected leaders of the ruling BJP and will perhaps be best remembered for her tenure as External Affairs Minister till earlier this year. She died at Delhi's AIIMS hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 67. She had a kidney transplant in 2016 and had opted out of contesting Lok Sabha polls earlier this year for health reasons. While she was seen at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in for his second term in May this year, speculation about whether she would be minister again ended when she sat in the audience.
Sushma ji will always be remembered for her service to the nation, tweeted Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge
"Absolutely shocked," tweets Congress's Manish Tewari
"Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing away of stalwart leader Smt.#SushmaSwaraj! The nation will miss her effervescence, warmth and unmissable receptiveness as a leader," tweeted Manish Tewari.
India has lost a great leader. Sushma ji was a very warm and remarkable person, tweeted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.
India's Ambassador & Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin tweeted saying, "We @IndiaUNNewYork will always cherish memories of her"
"An outstanding politician, leader, good human being," tweets Mamata Banerjee
"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," tweets Mamata Banerjee.
Sushma Swaraj Death: "Her stellar work will be looked upon as an exemplary model of governance," tweets Chandrababu Naidu
"Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of BJP leader Sushma Swaraj Ji. Her contribution to the nation in various leadership roles will never be forgotten. Her stellar work as MEA will be looked upon as an exemplary model of governance. I pray God to give strength to the family," tweeted N Chandrababu Naidu.
Sushma Swaraj News"Saddened, pained & broken on demise of Sushmaji," tweets Arun Jaitley
"Saddened, pained & broken on 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," tweeted Sushma Swaraj's colleague and former finance minister Arun Jaitley.
Sushma Swaraj Death"The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so," tweets foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar
"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," tweeted Sushma Swaraj's successor, foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar.
Sushma Swaraj Dies"Epitomised dignity, courage & intergrity in public life," tweets President Ram Nath Kovind
"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," tweeted President Ram Nath Kovind.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also took to Twitter and wrote: "The sudden demise of senior BJP leader and former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is saddening. She was not only a skilled politician and a great administrator but also a very social woman. Deepest condolence to her family members."
India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has tweeted after the death of former union minister and BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj at Delhi's AIIMS hospital. Sushma Swaraj was brought to AIIMS between 9:30 pm and 10 pm on Tuesday and was straight away taken to the emergency ward where she died of a cardiac arrest.
Bollywood celebrities such as Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, Anushka Sharma, Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Riteish Deshmukh and Ayushmann Khurrana were some of the first ones to mourn the BJP veteran's death on Twitter. Shabana Azmi's emotional note for Sushma Swaraj said: "Deeply saddened that Sushma Swaraj has passed away. Inspite of political differences we had an extremely cordial relationship. I was one of her 'navratans' as she called us during her I and B ministership and she gave industry status to film. Articulate sharp and accessible. RIP" while Javed Akhtar remembered her in these words: "Deeply saddened by Sushma ji's demise. The music fraternity will be indebted to her for magnificent defence of their rights in the Lok Sabha. You were an exceptional person Sushma ji. We will always remain thankful to you."
Sushma Swaraj ji you will be missed and remembered forever, tweeted actor Vivek Oberoi
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted her condolences along with an an image with Sushma Swaraj
The body of former Union minister Sushma Swaraj will be kept for three hours at the BJP headquarters today for party workers and leaders to pay tributes, BJP working president JP Nadda said. Her last rites will be performed at the Lodhi crematorium, he said. Ms Swaraj, 67, died on Tuesday night at AIIMS after suffering a cardiac attack, doctors said.
Sushma Swaraj's body was taken to her Delhi residence after she died at AIIMS hospital late Tuesday night. Her body will be kept at the BJP headquarters in Delhi from 12 pm - 3 pm for people to pay respects today after which it will be taken to Lodhi Crematorium for the last rites.
Sushma Swaraj DiesFilmmaker Karan Johar pays tribute to "amazing leader" Sushma Swaraj
Sushma Swaraj, former foreign minister and one of the BJP's most loved leaders, died Tuesday evening after a cardiac arrest. Her sudden death shocked the nation, where millions adored her for her swift response to distress calls on Twitter from Indians in any corner of the world. Describing her death as a "personal loss", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a "glorious chapter in Indian politics has come to an end".