Former Delhi CM and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit passes away
What's the story
In an extremely sad news, former Delhi Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit passed away on Saturday. She was 81 years old. As per reports, Dikshit suffered a heart attack earlier today, after which she was taken to Escorts Hospital. She suffered another heart attack at 3:45 PM and breathed her last at 3:55 PM. Here are more details.
Reason
Last year, Dikshit underwent a heart surgery
Dikshit, who served as Delhi's CM thrice, had a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). As soon as she was brought to the hospital around 10:30 AM, she had to be put on a ventilator. Just last year, she underwent heart surgery in France. For the past few years, she had been undergoing treatment at Fortis Escorts hospital under the supervision of chairman Dr. Ashok Seth.
Life
Born in Punjab, Dikshit completed her education from Delhi
Dikshit, who was the longest-serving CM of Delhi, was born in Kapurthala, Punjab, in 1938. She completed her education from New Delhi's Convent of Jesus and Mary School and did her Masters in Arts (History) from the coveted Miranda House college of Delhi University. She served as an MP from Kannauj between 1984 and 1989. In 1986, she was made MoS for Parliamentary Affairs.
Career
Became Delhi's CM in 1998, remained at helm till 2013
Dikshit became Delhi's Chief Minister for the first time in 1998 and held the position till 2013. In 1998 and 2003 assembly polls, she represented Gole constituency and won from New Delhi seat in 2008. Remembered for her go-getter attitude, she is credited for transforming Delhi's infrastructure. Before 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Dikshit returned as the chief of Delhi Congress, succeeding Ajay Maken.
Reactions
PM Modi, Arvind Kejriwal lamented the loss
As soon as news of her demise surfaced, condolences started flowing in. Remembering her warm and affable personality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "She made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi's development." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members."
Twitter Post
Shared a personal bond with her: Rahul Gandhi expressed grief
I’m devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019
My condolences to her family the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief.
Quote
Separately, Dr. Manmohan Singh said Delhi will always remember her
"I am shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death, the country has lost a dedicated Congress Leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to the development during her three tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi," former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement read.
Twitter Post
President Kovind said Dikshit changed Delhi
दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और एक वरिष्ठ राजनेता श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित के निधन के बारे में जानकर दुख हुआ। उनका कार्यकाल राजधानी दिल्ली के लिए महत्वपूर्ण परिवर्तन का दौर था जिसके लिए उन्हें याद किया जाएगा। उनके परिवार व सहयोगियों के प्रति मेरी शोक-संवेदनाएं — राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 20, 2019