Political fraternity cutting across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ram Nath Kovind expressed shock and grief at the sudden demise of former external Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi.

Calling it as personal loss, PM Modi in a series of tweets said, "A glorious chapter in Indian politics come to an end; India grieves the demise of remarkable leader," adding, "India will remember her fondly for everything she has done."

Calling her an outstanding parliamentarian, the PM said, "Cannot forget the manner in which Swaraj ji worked tirelessly as EAM in the last 5 years." Swaraj played a key role in bettering India's ties with various nations, he added.

Lauding her approachable nature, President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled her passing and said, "The country has lost a much loved leader who epitomised dignity, courage & integrity in public life." She will always be remembered for the service to the people of India, he added.

Home Minister Amit Shah said that the void left by Swaraj cannot be filled, adding that he mourns with her family and supporters. Swaraj's successor as external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, in a condolence tweet said, "Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Sushma Swaraj; difficult to accept this news."

Other political parties and their leaders also did not hold back in expressing their admiration and fondness for the parliamentarian. Leading the charge was former Congress President Rahul Gandhi who tweeted, "Shocked to hear about the demise of Sushma Swaraj, she was gifted orator, exceptional parliamentarian with friendships across party lines."

Explaining how he shared personal bond with Swaraj, Senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad said, "We never called each other by name, she used to call me 'bhai' & I used to call her 'behen'". Never imagined that she'll leave us so soon, knew each other for last 42 years, he added.

TMC President and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee while remembering her said, "Despite our ideological differences we shared many cordial times in Parliament; will miss her."

Meanwhile, BSP Chief Mayawati said, "Disheartened to know about the sudden and untimely death of Sushma Swaraj". She added that Swaraj was not only a skilled parliamentarian and leader, but also an amiable woman in the political fraternity.