Three-time Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit dies, President Kovind,PM Modi mourn

She was 81.

The Congress party mourned the death of the leader and tweeted: " We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong congresswoman and as three time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief."

Sheila Dikshit will be remembered for serving the national capital as its CM for 15 long years, spanning from 1998 to 2013, and it was during her term that India had hosted the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Considered as close to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Sheila Dikshit was one of the seniormost Congress leaders who was working in the Delhi unit of the party.

In the Lok Sabha Polls, she herself led the party and contested from North East Delhi seat.

However, BJP's Manoj Tiwari beat her by over 3 lakh votes.

Dikshit, who was appointed president of the Delhi Congress in January after Ajay Maken stepped down citing health issues

President Ram Nath Kovind mourned the death of the leader and said: "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. Condolences to her family and associates #PresidentKovind."

PM Narendra Modi condoled the death of the political leader and tweeted, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji. Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development. Condolences to her family and supporters. Om Shanti."

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said he felt 'devastated' after hearing about the passing away of Sheila Dikshit.

"I’m 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 & the citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a 3 term CM, in this time of great grief," Rahul Gandhi, who recently stepped down as the President of the party, tweeted.

Aam Aadmi Party Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who steeped into the shoes of Sheila Dikshit after his party won the Assembly polls, tweeted: "Just now got to know about the extremely terrible news about the passing away of Mrs Sheila Dikshit ji. It is a huge loss for Delhi and her contribution will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to her family members. May her soul rest in peace."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said: "The passing away of former Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit is deeply saddening. She was a tall Congress leader known for her congenial nature. Sheilaji was widely respected cutting across party lines. My thoughts are with her bereaved family & supporters. Om Shanti!."

Omar Abdullah tweeted: "Just heard about the tragic demise of
@SheilaDikshit ji. What terrible terrible news. I’ve always known her as a very warm & affectionate lady. She did wonders for Delhi as CM & will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May her soul rest in peace."

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee posted: " Deeply saddened at the passing of Sheila Dikshit Ji. When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her."