Sushma Swaraj no more: Former External Affairs Minister and BJP stalwart passes away at 67 after heart attack

Announcing Sushma Swaraj's death, BJP Working president JP Nadda said, "Her mortal remains will be kept at her residence for people to pay last respects.Around 12 pm tomorrow, her mortal remains will be brought to BJP HQ. At 3 pm she will be taken to Lodhi road crematorium, where her last rites will be performed with full state honours." 

Sushma Swaraj, in her last tweet, had expressed delight over the passing of key bills pertaining to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the same.

"Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime," Swaraj tweeted.  

प्रधान मंत्री जी - आपका हार्दिक अभिनन्दन. मैं अपने जीवन में इस दिन को देखने की प्रतीक्षा कर रही थी. @narendramodi ji - Thank you Prime Minister. Thank you very much. I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 6, 2019

On Monday, Swaraj had said that the abrogation of the special provision is a true tribute to BJP ideologue Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died fighting for "one nation, one flag".

"Many greetings to all the MPs of Rajya Sabha who helped pass the resolution ending Article 370 today and paid a true tribute to the sacrifice of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and fulfilled his dream of a united India," Swaraj had tweeted.

बहुत साहसिक और ऐतिहासिक निर्णय. श्रेष्ठ भारत - एक भारत का अभिनन्दन.
A bold and historic decision. We salute our Great India - one India.

— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) August 5, 2019

Sushma Swaraj was appointed the foreign minister in the first term of Modi government in 2014.  She was known for giving humane touch to the working of the ministry. In this job, her humanitarian approach to dealing with issues of international relations, made her a favourite for people. She took personal interest in resolving minor issues like issuance of visa to the needy and getting relief to Indians in distress. She was known for her quick and witty responses on Twitter. 

On the demise of Sushma Swaraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations. As a Minister we also saw her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world."

"A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.

A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

Sushma Ji was a prolific orator and outstanding Parliamentarian. She was admired and revered across party lines.

She was uncompromising when it came to matters of ideology and interests of the BJP, whose growth she immensely contributed to.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India’s ties with various nations. As a Minister we also saw her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her Ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 6, 2019

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