The mortal remains of one of the tallest leaders in the capital and three-time CM Sheila Dikshit were consigned to flames on Sunday, with VIPs, workers and admirers bidding her farewell. Sheila (81) died of cardiac arrest on Saturday.
Thousands of people braved heavy rain and gusty winds to reach Nigambodh Ghat to catch the last glimpse of their leader, credited with changing the face of Delhi during her tenure. Family members broke down as the public raised slogans of “Sheila Dikshit Amar Rahe”.
Among the dignitaries who reached Nigambodh Ghat were Union home minister Amit Shah, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and her daughter, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, LG Anil Baijal, CM Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, BJP leaders Vijay Goel and Manoj Tiwari, several former ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats.
Sheila’s mortal remains were kept at Congress headquarters at Akbar Road for almost two hours before being taken for cremation. Former PM Manmohan Singh, senior Congress leaders Ahmad Patel, Mani Shankar Aiyar, and Raj Babbar, CM Kamal Nath, Ashok Gehlot and Bhupesh Baghel, Kapil Sibal and Delhi labour minister Gopal Rai paid their tributes.
Talking to reporters, Sonia Gandhi said Sheila was very close to her. “She was a great support for me. She became almost an elder sister. This is a big loss for Congress. I will always remember her,” she said.
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