PM Modi turns emotional while paying respect to Sushma Swaraj's mortal remains

Modi, who went to Swaraj's residence on Wednesday morning, was seen almost moving to tears while sharing solidarity with his former colleague's family.

Modi said, "I can’t forget the manner in which Sushma Ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years. Even when her health was not good, she would do everything possible to do justice to her work and remain up to date with matters of her Ministry. The spirit and commitment was unparalleled. Sushma Ji’s demise is a personal loss. She will be remembered fondly for everything that she’s done for India."

The Prime Minister was with Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Modi earlier tweeted: "A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people."

Swaraj, who was a senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, passed away after suffering a massive heart attack at AIIMS in New Delhi at the age of 67. Her mortal remains will be taken to the BJP headquarters in the afternoon.

Her last rites will be held at Lodhi Crematorium later, reports said. 

Union Home Minister and BJP president Amit Shah was also among the ones who paid their tributes to Swaraj's mortal remains on Wednesday morning.

Coming out of Swaraj's residence, Shah told media, "Myself and crores of BJP workers are sad today. Sushma ji emerged as a shining leader since the time of National Emergency. She served different ministries, as Delhi Chief Minister. She efficiently served the BJP governments under Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.

A huge void is being created in the Indian politics after her demise."

Swaraj, who had won accolades from Indians staying both within the country and abroad for her strong performance as an External Affairs Minister in the first term of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government, did not contest the Lok Sabha polls this year.