Sushma Swaraj's demise: Guv calls it 'personal loss', celebs mourn death of a 'strong leader'

Kolkata: Expressing shock at the 'untimely' demise of former External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar on Wednesday described it as a 'personal loss'.

"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," Dhankhar said in a condolence message. He said Sushma Swaraj's 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. She epitomised 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," he said, conveying his condolences to the bereaved family, friends and her followers. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart Sushma Swaraj, 67, passed away in Delhi on Tuesday night due to a cardiac arrest.

Even the Bengali film fraternity mourned the death of Swaraj. Many of them poured their hearts out on social media for the leader's rationality and warmth. "She was and she will always be a strong leader... her dignified personality always thought for the welfare of the people... it's indeed shocking to know about her sudden demise... my condolences to the family... RIP Sushma Swaraj Ji," Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee tweeted.

Dev Adhikari, filmstar and Trinamool Congress MP, too expressed grief over her untimely demise. "This is a true loss. One of the finest leaders the country has seen, and an even better human being. You will be missed by many, beyond ideologies or barriers. You shall be remembered and celebrated forever. R.I.P. #sushmaswaraj," he wrote.

For National Award-winning actress Rituparna Sengupta the news came as a shock. "Really shocked to hear. Former Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj passes away at 67. My sincere prayers and condolences on her sudden demise. #sushmaswaraj #ironlady," Sengupta wrote.

Director Srijit Mukherji, known for films like Autograph and Chotushkone, appreciated the former BJP leader's contribution for the people. "Have seldom seen such across the board (party lines, age groups) mourning for a politician even on the usual sugar coating and amnesia-inducing occasion of death. Goes to show how you can touch so many lives as a politician by actually working for the people and making a difference. RIP Sushma Swaraj," he tweeted. Actor Parambrata Chatterjee wrote, "She symbolised sanity, rationality and warmth, in a political atmosphere that's fast being taken over by imposed masculinity. #RIPSushmaSwaraj".

With agency inputs