#RIPSushmaSwaraj: BJP stalwart cremated with state honors, daughter performs rites
What's the story
Sushma Swaraj, India's revered External Affairs Minister and one of the tallest leaders of BJP, was cremated at Lodhi crematorium on Wednesday with complete state honors. Her daughter Bansuri performed the last rites. The 67-year-old politician passed away on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest. Leaders across political ideologies paid rich tributes to Swaraj, who won hearts with her compassion and humility.
Demise
Swaraj breathed her last at AIIMS
Swaraj was rushed to AIIMS, Delhi, last night around 9 PM, after her health deteriorated. She had undergone a kidney transplant three years ago and wasn't keeping well. In fact, Swaraj, a nine-time parliamentarian, opted out of elections this time due to her ill health. As soon as news of her demise broke, several union ministers flocked AIIMS and expressed grief.
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Bansuri performed the last rites
Delhi: Bansuri Swaraj, daughter of former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj, performs her last rites pic.twitter.com/ymj82SjG1i
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Last tweet
After her party scripted history, Swaraj passed away
Just hours before her death, Swaraj was active on Twitter. She congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the historic Article 370 move. On Tuesday, the J&K Reorganisation Bill, which bifurcated the state into two Union Territories, was passed in Lok Sabha. Thereafter, Swaraj tweeted she wanted to see this day in her lifetime and thanked PM Modi for fulfilling her dream.
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Thank you very much, Swaraj had tweeted
प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. @narendramodi ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 6, 2019
Tributes
PM Modi and other political leaders visited Swaraj's residence
To note, Swaraj's mortal remains were kept at her New Delhi residence, where a slew of personalities, including Trinamool's Derek O'Brien, Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, and BSP Chief Mayawati, paid a visit. PM Modi also reached there and got emotional while paying his respects. Earlier, he had said a glorious chapter of India politics came to an end with her demise.
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Watch: Teary-eyed PM Modi paid his last respects
#WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/Sv02MtoSiH
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Condolences
Meanwhile, world leaders remembered the affable leader
Swaraj's demise was mourned by not only Indian politicians but global leaders as well. Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina said, "With her death, Bangladesh has lost a good friend." Meanwhile, Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli said, "I fondly recall how intimately she used to call me brother and share feelings of affinity," Foreign ministries of Russia, Iran, and Bahrain also expressed condolences.
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She led a meaningful life: Dalai Lama
The Dalai Lama on #SushmaSwaraj: I offer my prayers my condolences at this difficult time. Sushma Swaraj enjoyed immense respect for her compassionate concern for peopleher friendly demeanour. In devoting herself to service of others, she led a very meaningful life.(File pics) pic.twitter.com/6HILHPjvRH
— ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
RIP Ma'am
There might never be another leader like Swaraj
During her tenure as External Affairs Minister, Swaraj touched many lives. All citizens had to do was tag her in a tweet, tell their problem, and Swaraj ensured it gets solved. She will also be remembered for her fierce oratory skills and improving India's position at the global stage. It's not just BJP who has lost a leader, the entire nation has.