New Delhi (Web Desk): India’s former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj passed away on Tuesday at the age of 67, the Indian media reported.
According to details, Swaraj was admitted to a local hospital in a critical condition after the cardiac arrest but passed away later.
A veteran politician, Swaraj was associated with India's ruling party, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Sushma Swaraj became India's minister for external affairs external affairs in 2014. She did not participate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections owing to health concerns.
Swaraj served as Union minister between 1977 and 1980 in the Janata Party government.
She held office of the minister for information and broadcasting 2000-2003 during Atal Bihar Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance government
During her decades-long career she had also served as New Delhi's chief minister and had served as the leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha from 2009 to 2014.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed her demise "a personal loss".
"Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti," he tweeted.
Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India. My thoughts are with her family, supporters and admirers in this very unfortunate hour. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019
India's Congress party also extended its condolences on Swaraj's demise.
"We are saddened to hear about the untimely demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj. Our condolences to her family and loved ones," the party's official Twitter account said.
The party's former chief, Rahul Gandhi, said she was "an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator and an exceptional Parliamentarian, with friendships across party lines".
"My condolences to her family in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace," Rahul Gandhi tweeted.
I’m shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj Ji, an extraordinary political leader, a gifted orator & an exceptional Parliamentarian, with friendships across party lines.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 6, 2019
My condolences to her family in this hour of grief.
May her soul rest in peace.
Om Shanti ????
