Sheila Dikshit, former and longest serving Chief Minister of Delhi passed away on Saturday afternoon after prolonged illness. Aged 81, Dikshit was admitted to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute on Friday.
As per reports, Dikshit was suffering from cardiac arrythmia and had to be put on ventilator immediately after her admission to hospital.
Dikshit served the post of Delhi Chief Minister for three terms from 1998 to 2013. She also served as the Delhi Congress President.
A number of politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the demise of Dikshit.
“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,” tweeted Modi.
Delhi Chief Minister and Dikshit’s successor Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Just now got to know about the terrible news of 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.”
Dikshit has also served as the Governor of Kerala from March 2014 to August 2014. Hailing from Kapurthala, Punjab, she represented Kanauj parliamentary constituency of Uttar Pradesh.
She has also served as Union Minister, as Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and later as Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s office.
Dikshit pursued MA in History from Miranda House, University of Delhi.
Read the exclusive interview of Sheila Dikshit with Founder and CEO of Elets Technomedia and Editor-in-Chief, Egov magazine Dr Ravi Gupta here.