Three-time Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit dies at 81

Senior Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit died Saturday at 3.55 p.m. at Escorts Fortis hospital on Saturday.

Sheila Dikshit suffered a cardiac arrest in the hospital and was put on a ventilator, said Escorts Fortis director Dr Ashok Seth.

The senior-most Congress leader served as chief minister of national capital for fifteen years from 1998 to 2013. She was very close to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who said her heart filled with grief losing Sheila Dikshit.

Sonia Gandhi wrote to Sandeep Dikshit, son of Sheila Dikshit, “I write to you with my heart filled with grief and a great sense of loss, for your beloved mother occupied a huge space in it.”

Gandhi added that the leader brought wisdom, humanity, grace and excellence to everything she did.

Meanwhile, the Delhi government has announced state mourning for two days for Sheila Dikshit.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote on social platform, “Delhi government has decided to observe a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister and veteran leader Sheila Dikshit. She will be accorded a state funeral.”

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said it is great loss for India as well as for the Congress party.

Former President Pranab Mukherjee said it is a great loss to India.

Sandeep Dikshit said his mother will be remembered whenever people talk of developed and growing Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to Sheila Dikshit.

She was born in a family of an Army officer in Punjab as Sheila Kapoor. She debuted her political career in Uttar Pradesh.