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 death of Dikshit, who was a warm and affable personality and made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi’s development.

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. pic.twitter.com/jERrvJlQ4X

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 20, 2019

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

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

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) 20 July 2019

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he was devastated by the death of Dikshit whom he called a beloved daughter of the party.

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 (@RahulGandhi) July 20, 2019

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.

Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu's secretariat put out 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."

Union minister Nitin Gadkari expressed his surprise at the veteran Congress leader’s sudden death and spoke about her contribution towards developing Delhi.

दिल्ली की पूर्व मुख्यमंत्री और काँग्रेस की वरिष्ठ नेता श्रीमती शिला दीक्षित जी के देहांत की खबर सुनकर व्यथित हूं। दिल्ली के विकास में उनका योगदान हमेशा याद रखा जाएगा। उनके परिजनों के प्रति मेरी संवेदनाएं हैं। भगवान शीला जी की दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति दे। ॐ शांतिः।

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) 20 July 2019

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.

Extremely pained at the sudden death of Sheila Dikshit ji. A political era has passed away with her. Had known her for 40 years. She was like an elder sister to me, guiding and supporting me in my difficult moments. I will miss you Sheila ji. RIP.

— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) 20 July 2019

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.

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.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) 20 July 2019

Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of Smt Sheila Dixit. She was one of the tallest leaders in Congress & transformed Delhi in her tenure as CM. My deepest condolences to her family & loved ones.

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 20 July 2019

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

Have known Sheila Dixit for years. Cant believe she is no more !! A great lady and Delhi will always remember her as a CM who changed the landscape of Delhi. RIP.

— ashutosh (@ashutosh83B) 20 July 2019