'Daughter of Congress', 'Warm and Affable Personality': Rahul Gandhi, PM Modi Pay Tributes to Sheila Dikshit

New Delhi: Politicians cutting across party lines expressed shock and grief over the sudden death of former Delhi chief minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit. Following a prolonged illness, Dikshit, 81, passed away here on Saturday afternoon.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the death of Dikshit who was a warm and affable personality and made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development.

Modi paid a visit to Dikshit's residence and condoled her demise. Accompanied by Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari, Modi said Dikshit made a noteworthy contribution to the development of the national capital.

The Delhi government declared a two-day mourning and said Dikshit would be accorded a state funeral.

Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Arvind Kejriwal said Dikshit’s death was a huge loss for the national capital and her contribution would always be remembered.

Kejriwal and his deputy Manish Sisodia also visited Dikshit's house to pay their respects.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated by the death of a leader whom he described as "a beloved daughter of the party".

President Ram Nath Kovind said Dikshit's term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the national capital. He offered condolences to the senior leader's family and associates.

"Sad to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit, former chief minister of Delhi and a senior political figure. Her term in office was a period of momentous transformation for the capital for which she will be remembered," he wrote on Twitter.

"I express my profound sorrow and grief over the demise of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dikshit today. She was a good administrator," said the Vice President's Office on behalf of M Venkaiah Naidu's.

Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, Nirmala Sitharaman, Smriti Irani and Nitin Gadkari were among the Union ministers who expressed their grief at the veteran Congress leader’s death.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said the country lost a dedicated Congress leader of the masses. Issuing a statement, Singh said, “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 Delhi during her tenure as Chief Minister for three years."

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said Dikshit was like an elder sister to her and a political era passed away with her.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she was deeply saddened by Dikshit's demise. "She loved me, whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of party, her contribution towards the party, politics of nation and especially Delhi, is immense," she said.

While National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir CM called her an affectionate lady, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said Dikshit was one of the tallest leaders of the Congress.

Former AAP leader Ashutosh said Delhi would always remember her as a chief minister who changed its landscape.