'She made noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development,' PM Modi remembers Sheila Dikshit; condolences pour in

Prime Minister Modi expressed his grief over the sudden demise of veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit who breathed her last on Saturday.

The PM wrote on Twitter, "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."

President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted, "Sad to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit, former Chief Minister of Delhi and a senior political figure. Her term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered. Condolences to her family and associates #PresidentKovind"

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "The passing away of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit is deeply saddening. She was a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature. Sheilaji was widely respected cutting across party lines. My thoughts are with her bereaved family & supporters. Om Shanti!"

Congress also paid homage to the veteran leader on Twitter.

The party's Twitter handle posted, "We regret to hear of the passing of Smt 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."

Watch: Veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit dies at 81

BJP MP and party's Delhi president, Manoj Tiwari who recently won the Delhi North-East Lok Sabha seat against Sheila Dikshit said, "I had met her recently, it is a big shock. I remember how she welcomed me like a mother. Delhi will miss her. May God give her family and her close ones the strength to bear this loss."

Former Congress spokesperson Priyanka Chaturvedi said, "This is the most terrible news to hear, rest in peace Ma’m, you were an inspiration for many women like me who joined politics to make an impactful change in the lives of millions. My heartfelt condolences to her family, her friends, her colleagues and to the people of Delhi."

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said, "I am sorry to know about the sudden demise of Sheila Dixit ji. We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being."

PDP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti tweeted, "Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Smt Sheila Dixit. She was one of the tallest leaders in Congress & transformed Delhi in her tenure as CM. My deepest condolences to her family & loved ones."

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit breathed her last on Saturday in the national capital. The Congress veteran served as Delhi's chief minister for 15 years from the year 1998.  

Dikshit was the longest-serving chief minister of the national capital, securing three consecutive terms since 1998. 

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's body was taken to her Nizamuddin East residence on Saturday and the last rites will take place on Sunday afternoon.

Thousands of party workers reached her residence to pay their tributes and raised slogans of 'Sheila Dikshit Amar Rahe' (Sheila Dikshit's memory stays forever).

"Her last rites will be performed at 2.30 pm at Nigam Bodh Ghat crematorium", Delhi Congress said. 

Dikshit had undergone bypass surgeries in the past and had been in and out of hospital recently as she was not well.