#RIPSheilaDikshit: Three-time Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit cremated with state honors
What's the story
The last rites of the three-time Delhi Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader, Sheila Dikshit, have been performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat, the oldest cremation ground in Delhi. The Congress stalwart, who passed away on Saturday after suffering a cardiac arrest, was cremated with state honors. Her cremation was done in a CNG machine at Nigam Bodh Ghat, honoring her wish. Here's more.
Cremation
Dikshit wished to be cremated using CNG machine
Dikshit wished to be cremated using the CNG machine at the Nigam Bodh Ghat, said her son and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on Saturday. Notably, it was Dikshit who introduced the concept of the CNG crematorium in Delhi in order to curb pollution during her tenure. The CNG machine was installed at the cremation ground in 2012.
Details
Dikshit's body taken to Congress headquarters from her residence
Dikshit breathed her last at 3:55 pm on Saturday at Fortis Escorts Heart Institute in Delhi's Okhla. She was 81. Her mortal remains were first taken to her Nizamuddin East residence on Saturday. Earlier on Sunday, her body was brought in a glass casket to the Congress party headquarters in the national capital amid chants of "Sheila Dikshit Amar Rahe! Sheila Dikshit Zindabad!"
Leaders
Sonia Gandhi, PM Modi, and many leaders paid their tributes
Scores of people paid homage to the former Delhi Chief Minister at the Congress headquarters. Senior party leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Kapil Sibal, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra among others paid respects to her. On Saturday, leaders from all major parties visited Dikshit's residence to pay their tributes. PM Narendra Modi, accompanied by Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari, also visited her residence.
Quote
She was a great support for me: Sonia
Speaking on Dikshit's demise, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said, "She was a great support for me. She became almost an elder sister and a friend. This is a big loss for the Congress party. I will always remember her."
State mourning
Delhi Government declares a two-day state mourning for Dikshit
In a Facebook post, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal expressed shock and grief over the demise of Dikshit, his political opponent and predecessor. He along with Deputy Delhi CM, Manish Sisodia, paid tributes to the former Delhi Chief Minister at her residence. The Delhi Government also declared a two-day state mourning in the national capital as a mark of respect for Dikshit.
Facebook Post
Here's what CM Kejriwal posted on Facebook
About
Dikshit, the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi
Dikshit served as the Chief Minister of Delhi for three consecutive terms between 1998 and 2013. AAP's Arvind Kejriwal succeeded her as the Delhi CM after Congress's defeat in the 2013 Delhi Assembly Elections. Later, she was appointed as the Kerala Governor in 2014 but resigned after five months. She had been serving as the Delhi Congress President; she assumed the charge in Jan'19.