BJP stalwart Sushma Swaraj, the External Affairs Minister in PM Modi’s last government, passed away at a relatively young age of 67.
She was a courageous, honest and well liked politician across political divide, following into the foot-steps of PM Atalji who command the support of the opposition in the Parliament on many occasions.
As she was in poor health, had kidney transplant in 2016, she retired from politics just before the last election, she did not even go to Rajya Sabha which is the norm for high calibre politicians like Sushmaji and Shri Arun Jetly who was Finance minister with Sushmaji. Coincidently Arunji is also in ICU in the same hospital.
Her body was kept at BJP headquarters for three hours to let BJP workers, leaders and foreign envoys to pay their tribute.
Being Foreign Minister, she had established close personal relations with many foreign governments and diplomats. Her last rights were performed at Lodhi Road crematorium, according to her Hindu faith.
Coincidently, it was Sushmaji’s wish to see Jammu and Kashmir integrated into Indian Union, to abolish article 370 and 35A so that every Indian, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari enjoy equal rights, equal privileges and equal responsibility, loyalty to Mother India.
India is the only secular nation in the region where minorities can enjoy same privileges, unlike Pakistan.
Her last message to PM Modi was to congratulate him and Home Minister Amit Shah for taking such a courageous step to assimilate J & K into Indian Union.
It seems Sushmaji who was in poor health, was just waiting to see her dream come true before departing, saying final goodbye to her family, friends and people of India.
She will always be remembered with affection by the Indian public whom she served with such honour and dedication.
May God open the gates of heaven for such a distinguished person!
Kumudini Valambia
By email
