Sushma Swaraj swiftly vacates government residence, wins netizens' heart
What's the story
About a month after the new Narendra Modi government was sworn in, former Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj has vacated her official residence in central Delhi. Swaraj (67) displayed swiftness to comply with the government's appeal to former lawmakers to vacate their official residences and won hearts across the internet, as was often the case during her tenure. Here are more details.
Details
Swaraj tweeted about her exit from official residence on Saturday
On Saturday morning, Swaraj tweeted, "I have moved out of my official residence 8, Safdarjung Lane, New Delhi. Please note that I am not contactable on the earlier address and phone numbers." The seven-time MP had opted out of contesting the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, citing health reasons. The portfolio is now held by S Jaishankar, who formerly served as the Foreign Secretary.
MEA Swaraj
How Swaraj became a political rockstar
During her stint as the External Affairs Minister, Swaraj was best known for giving a human face to the ministry. The BJP veteran took a personal interest in helping out the Indian diaspora in distress, addressing concerns pertaining to the issuance of visa, and passport-related queries. Swaraj was also loved by the masses for her witty and humorous replies on Twitter.
Reaction
You will continue to reside in our hearts: Anupam Kher
As Swaraj announced her exit from the official residence, she was lauded on Twitter. Actor Anupam Kher tweeted, "You are one of the most graceful & dignified leaders of modern India." He added, "A persona like you, may move out of the official residence but you will continue to reside in our hearts for years." Other Twitter users also chimed in to praise Swaraj.
Twitter Post
Many expressed how they missed Swaraj's absence from the Cabinet
You’re missed, ma’am!
— Namrata Wakhloo (@NamrataWakhloo) June 29, 2019
Twitter Post
'Your ethics, probity a role model for us all'
Your ethics probity in public life is role model for all of us , Sushma Ma’am !
— Lali (@LaliGanguli) June 29, 2019
Twitter Post
Others praised her for standing apart from her contemporaries
We will miss your charismatic presence in the Government. Best of health and luck to the most dynamic woman politician of the country.
— Arvind Mahajan (@mahajanarvind17) June 29, 2019
History
Bill to facilitate speedy eviction of unauthorized occupants cleared
To recall, last month, the Centre had asked all former lawmakers to vacate their official residences to accommodate 267 first-term MPs. Recently, the Cabinet cleared The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019, to facilitate speedy eviction of unauthorized occupants. The bill, which will be introduced in the current Parliament session, will impose a Rs. 10L fine for overstaying beyond five months.
Information
Ex-UP CM Akhilesh Yadav overstayed at official residence for years
In the past, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has been known to overstay his welcome at the official bungalow in Lucknow for two years. Additionally, another ex-UP CM, BSP supremo Mayawati converted her official residence into a BSP founder Kanshi Ram memorial.