Former Delhi CM and Congress leader Sheila Dikshit passes away
In an extremely sad news, former Delhi Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Sheila Dikshit passed away on Saturday. She was 81 years old. As per reports, Dikshit suffered a heart attack earlier today, after which she was taken to Escorts Hospital. She suffered another heart attack at 3:45 PM and breathed her last at 3:55 PM. Here are more details.
Last year, Dikshit underwent a heart surgery
Dikshit, who served as Delhi's CM thrice, had a cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). As soon as she was brought to the hospital around 10:30 AM, she had to be put on a ventilator. Just last year, she underwent heart surgery in France. For the past few years, she had been undergoing treatment at Fortis Escorts hospital under the supervision of chairman Dr. Ashok Seth.
Born in Punjab, Dikshit completed her education from Delhi
Dikshit, who was the longest-serving CM of Delhi, was born in Kapurthala, Punjab, in 1938. She completed her education from New Delhi's Convent of Jesus and Mary School and did her Masters in Arts (History) from the coveted Miranda House college of Delhi University. She served as an MP from Kannauj between 1984 and 1989. In 1986, she was made MoS for Parliamentary Affairs.
Became Delhi's CM in 1998, remained at helm till 2013
Dikshit became Delhi's Chief Minister for the first time in 1998 and held the position till 2013. In 1998 and 2003 assembly polls, she represented Gole constituency and won from New Delhi seat in 2008. Remembered for her go-getter attitude, she is credited for transforming Delhi's infrastructure. Before 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Dikshit returned as the chief of Delhi Congress, succeeding Ajay Maken.
PM Modi, Arvind Kejriwal lamented the loss
As soon as news of her demise surfaced, condolences started flowing in. Remembering her warm and affable personality, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote, "She made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi's development." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members."
Shared a personal bond with her: Rahul Gandhi expressed grief
Separately, Dr. Manmohan Singh said Delhi will always remember her
"I am shocked to hear the sudden passing away of Smt Shiela Dixit. In her death, the country has lost a dedicated Congress Leader of the masses. People of Delhi will always remember her contribution to the development during her three tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi," former PM Dr. Manmohan Singh's statement read.
