Mamata, governor Dhankhar mourn death of Sushma Swaraj

Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and governor Jagdeep Dhankhar have mourned the death of former external affairs minister and BJP leader Sushma Swaraj.

On Tuesday night, the Trinamul Congress supremo who was in Chennai tweeted, “Deeply saddened, shocked at the sudden passing away of Sushma Swaraj Ji. I knew her since the 1990s.

She added, “Even though our ideologies differed, we shared many cordial times in Parliament. An outstanding politician, leader, good human being. Will miss her. Condolences to her family/admirers”.

A statement from Raj Bhavan stated that the governor was extremely shocked to learn about the sad and untimely demise of Ms Swaraj which is a personal loss to him.

Mr Dhankhar observed, “The nation lost a prolific orator, outstanding parliamentarian, an acclaimed leader admired and revered across political and social spectrum. A lawyer of eminence who enriched all walks of public life.

“Her significant contributions in public life evoked admiration and has left an indelible imprint on global polity. She was a politician, who lived like a statesman.”

He added, “She epitomized dignity, courage, integrity in public life. I always noticed in her sublimity and humility. She will ever be remembered for her service to the people of India. Her last tweet after epochal development about Article 370 ‘I was waiting to see this day in my lifetime' would ever resonate in our hearts’.” The governor has also conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and her followers.

One of Ms Banerjee’s Cabinet colleague and panchayat minister Subrata Mukherjee said, “We are in grief over Swaraj's sudden demise which took place on a special day. She was not old enough. She could have contributed for the nation through politics many more days.

“Her political thoughts and behaviour influenced and impressed us. She was a good human being too. She was one of those few good politicians.”