Former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit passes away at the age of 81 years

Former Delhi Chief Minister & Congress leader Sheila Dikshit today passed away in Delhi at the age of 81 years. She is the longest serving Chief Minister of Delhi, from 1998 to 2013.

As per reports, Dikshit breathed her last at the Fortis Escorts Hospital in the national capital, informed Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee spokesperson Jitender Kumar Kochar.

The former Delhi Chief Minister was suffering from heart ailments and had undergone surgeries several times.

She was brought to the Fortis Escorts Heart Institute around 10.30 a.m. after she suffered a cardiac arrest. A multi-disciplinary team of doctors, led by Ashok Seth, Chairman of the institute, carried out advanced resuscitative measures.

"Her condition stabilised temporarily. But she had another cardiac arrest and despite all the efforts, she died at 3.55 p.m.," read the statement by the hospital.

Sources at the hospital said Dikshit had visited the facility in the past for check-ups.

"She was suffering from a heart problem for which she had undergone surgeries. Around 10-12 days back, she had visited the hospital for a check-up. She was also admitted for a day then," said the source.

Earlier this year, Dikshit was appointed as the new President of Delhi Congress.The three-time Delhi Chief Minister, had succeeded Ajay Maken, who quit as the Delhi Congress president on January 4 citing health reasons.

Following the demise of the former Delhi CM, several political leaders including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind took to Twitter to condole her death.

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. pic.twitter.com/jERrvJlQ4X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2019

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 associates #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 20, 2019

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 (@ArvindKejriwal) July 20, 2019

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.

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 (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019

Just heard about the tragic demise of @SheilaDikshit ji. What terrible terrible news. I’ve always known her as a very warm & affectionate lady. She did wonders for Delhi as CM & will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) July 20, 2019

Deeply saddened at the passing of Sheila Dikshit Ji. When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 20, 2019

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और वरिष्ठ नेता श्रीमती शीला दीक्षित जी के निधन पर शोक व्यक्त करता हूं। शीला जी सफल और लोकप्रिय नेता थीं जिनके लिए सभी के हृदय में आदर था। ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूं कि पुण्यात्मा को आशीर्वाद दें। #SheilaDikshit pic.twitter.com/H1Q9tXF5in

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) July 20, 2019

Deeply saddened by the demise of former Chief Minister of Delhi Sheila Dikshit ji. My heartfelt condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti ?

— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) July 20, 2019

Deeply saddened to learn about the passing away of former Delhi Chief Minister, Kerala Governor & veteran leader #SheilaDikshit. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends. Pray for peace to the departed soul.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) July 20, 2019

Saddened to hear of #sheiladikshit Ji's passing. & shocked. Though 81, she was energetic & had remained active in politics.
Deepest condolences to her family, especially her son Sandeep Dikshit, who had been my colleague in Parliament.

May her soul rest in peace
Om Shanti ???

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) July 20, 2019

The passing away of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit is deeply saddening. She was a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature.

Sheilaji was widely respected cutting across party lines. My thoughts are with her bereaved family & supporters. Om Shanti!

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 20, 2019

I am sorry to know about the sudden demise of Sheila Dixit ji. We were opponents in politics but friends in personal life. She was a fine human being. #SheilaDixit

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) July 20, 2019

Extremely pained at the sudden death of Sheila Dikshit ji. A political era has passed away with her. Had known her for 40 years. She was like an elder sister to me, guiding and supporting me in my difficult moments. I will miss you Sheila ji. RIP.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) July 20, 2019

She was an outstanding Chief Minister, a warm & outgoing friend & above all a wonderful human being. I am privileged to have known her since my college days. I shall miss her terribly — & so does Delhi already. https://t.co/50hptkFuAX

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 20, 2019

Sorry to know that former Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. #SheilaDikshit is no more. Condolences to her family, friends and followers.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) July 20, 2019

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री शीला दीक्षित जी के निधन की खबर सुनकर स्तब्ध हूं। उनका निधन मेरे लिए पारिवारिक क्षति है। मैं अपनी इस पीड़ा को शब्दों में व्यक्त नहीं कर पा रहा हूं। उन्होंने हमेशा बड़ी बहन की तरह मुझे प्यार व स्नेह दिया। ॐ शांति। @INCIndia @_SandeepDikshit @INCDelhi pic.twitter.com/Mp7QbfRwoZ

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 20, 2019

Later, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia informed that Delhi government has decided to declare 2-day state mourning over the demise of the former Delhi CM.