New Delhi, Jul 20 (UNI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who known to have close bond with the former Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Diskshit, said he was devastated to hear about the demise of 'beloved daughter' of the Congress party.
'I am devastated to hear about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a beloved daughter of the Congress Party, with whom I shared a close personal bond. My condolences to her family and the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a three term Chief Minister, in this time of great grief", Mr Gandhi tweeted.
Shiela Dikshit was also very close to UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi.
The senior Congress leader passed away at the age of 81.
Dikshit, who was appointed president of the Delhi Congress in January after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health issues, died in Escorts hospital in Delhi on Saturday afternoon.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his deputy Sachin Pilot also expressed shock over the demise of Sheila Dikshit.
"Deeply shocked and anguished to know about the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. it is a great loss for Congress Party. She was a mass leader and would be hugely missed. May her soul RIP and may God give strength to the bereaved family", Mr Gehlot tweeted.
In his tweet, Mr Pilot said, "saddened to hear that Sheila Dikshit has passed away, a true congressperson she worked tirelessly building Delhi into a world class city, yet her heart was always set on working for the people, a loss for India, my condolences to the family & prayers for the departed soul".
AICC Communication in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala said Dikshit was as dedicated soldier of the party.
"The ever smiling humanist, the conscientious administrator, the infrastructure building politician,
the dedicated soldier of party, the woman who reshaped Delhi. We will always miss you, and so will Delhi. Deepest Homage", Mr Surjewala tweeted.
In its condolence message, Congress said "lifelong congresswoman and as three time Chief Minister of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief".
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "she was a born fighter who immersed her self in public service, till her last breath. In her demise, Delhi and the nation have lost an able administrator and compassionate leader. Her tenure as Chief Minster will be remembered as the golden era in Delhi’s development".
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