New Delhi, July 20: Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit died on Saturday at Delhi’s Escorts hospital due to cardiac arrest. Sheila Dikshit was 81-years of age. She was admitted to the hospital earlier this morning. Dikshit was the longest-serving chief minister of Delhi. She served as the CM from 1998 to 2013. Sheila Dikshit, Former Delhi Chief Minister And Congress Leader, Dies at 81.

Dikshit was as appointed as the Delhi party unit head by then Congress president Rahul Gandhi in January this year, months before the Lok Sabha polls. On the sudden demise of Dikshit, President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top political leaders including Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief. Sheila Dikshit Admits 'Manmohan Singh Was Not as Strong as Narendra Modi' in Responding to Pakistan-Sponsored Terrorism.

President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over death of the Former Delhi CM’s death. The President 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 associate.”

President Kovind's Tweet:

PM Narendra Modi tweeted an old picture of his meeting with the former Delhi CM. Along with the image, he wrote, “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.”

PM Modi's Tweet:

Former Congress President Rahul condoled Dikhshit’s family and citizens of Delhi on her demise. He tweeted, “I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Shiela Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief.”

Rahul Gandhi's Tweet:

Reacting to Dikshit’s death, the Congress party tweeted, “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.”

Congress' Tweet:

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal also expressed sorrow over the death of the Delhi Congress chief. He wrote, “Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs 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.”

Arvind Kejriwal's Tweet:

Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his condolences towards the family of the Delhi Congress head. Shah also prayed for her soul.

Amit Shah's Tweet:

The former Delhi CM also served as Governor of Kerala for seven months from March 2014 to August 2014. In the recently concluded general elections, she against Bharatiya Janata Party's Manoj Tiwari the North East Delhi seat. However, she lost the elections.  Dikshit also served as Governor of Kerala for seven months from March 2014 to August 2014.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2019 05:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).