NEWDELHI: Former Delhi Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit died at the age of 81 on Saturday. The veteran Congress leader was not keeping well for some time and died of cardiac arrest.
Former Delhi chief minister was on Friday admitted to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in a critical state.
Dr Ashok Seth, Director, Escorts Fortis said, ”Sheila Dikshit was managed well by a team of doctors. At 3:15 PM she again suffered a cardiac arrest. She was put on the ventilator and at 3:55 PM she passed away peacefully.”
Three-time Delhi chief minister from Congress, Dikshit had cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) and had to be immediately put on the ventilator, said Congress sources.
Delhi Congress leader Haroon Yusuf was among the first political leaders to confirm her demise.
In his condolence message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, ”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.”
Along with his tweet, the PM also shared an old picture of him with the veteran Congress leader.
The Indian National Congress said, ”We regret to hear of the passing of Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong Congresswoman and as three-time CM of Delhi, she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief.”
Delhi Chief Minister and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal said, ”Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace.”
Known for her powerful organisational skills, Sheila Dikshit had recently contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Delhi’s North East Delhi constituency and lost to actor-turned-politician and BJP candidate Manoj Tiwari by a margin of over 3 lakh votes.
Dikshit was also the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi, having served in office for 15 years from 1998.
The 81-year-old politician was appointed as the president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee earlier this year in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Bureau Report
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