Sheila Dikshit passes away: Former Delhi chief minister dies at 81; condolences pour in after Congress leader's demise

Dixit tenure came to an end after a landslide defeat in 2013 when AAP founder Arvind Kejriwal won the election in the New Delhi Assembly constituency by a margin of 25,864 votes. Dixit resigned on 8 December 2013, but remained the caretaker Chief Minister of Delhi till the new Government was sworn in She was appointed as the Governor of Kerala in March 2014, but was forced to resign five months later. (Image: Reuters)

Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has passed away in New Delhi. The veteran Congress leader was 81.

A few days ago, the three-time Delhi CM was admitted to Escorts Hospital, where she breathed her last around 3.55 pm.

Dikshit was the longest-serving chief minister of Delhi, serving between 1998 and 2013.

President Ram Nath Kovind has said Dikshit will be remembered for the "momentous transformation for the capital" during her tenure at office.

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he is "deeply saddened" by the news. He called Dikshit a "warm and affable personality".

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

Rahul Gandhi has called Dikshit a "beloved daughter of Congress" while expressing his sadness.

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

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has expressed his condolences as well.

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

Various celebrities have reacted to the news on social media.

Sad to hear about the passing away of #SheilaDixit ji. Heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 20, 2019

Very sad news coming from Delhi ... Sheila Dixit ji passes away ... May her soul rest in peace ! I shared very close relations with entire Dixit family , I pray almighty to give strength to family and friends. pic.twitter.com/FdJcfYrx6B— Satyajeet Tambe (@satyajeettambe) July 20, 2019

BJP MP & BJP Delhi President, Manoj Tiwari: I had met her recently, it is a big shock. I remember how she welcomed me like a mother. Delhi will miss her. May God give her family and her closed ones the strength to bear this loss. #sheiladixit pic.twitter.com/nqOmU2lQ0I— ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

Saddening to learn that ex CM Delhi Mrs. Sheila Dixit is no more. She was an era in herself for Delhi. Delhi Congress will be incomplete without her. May God bless her with a place in HIS HOLY FEET n give immense courage to her loved ones to bear this tragic loss!
— Adv. Somnath Bharti (@attorneybharti) July 20, 2019

Extremely sad to hear of the passing away of #SheilaDixit ji. Thoughts and prayers with her family and supporters in this difficult time.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 20, 2019

Sad to learn about the death of veteran leader #SheilaDixit Ji. Om Shanti!
— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) July 20, 2019

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Smt Sheila Dixit. She was one of the tallest leaders in Congress & transformed Delhi in her tenure as CM. My deepest condolences to her family & loved ones.
— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) July 20, 2019