Former Delhi Chief Minister and senor Congress leader Sheila Dikshit died on Saturday in Delhi at the age of 81. (Photo: Getty Images)

Three-time Delhi Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sheila Dikshit died on Saturday in New Delhi. She was 81. Sheila Dikshit had been ill for a long time. She was admitted at around 10.30 am today. She died at 3.55 pm at a city hospital.

Dr Ashok Seth, director, Escorts Fortis said Sheila Dikshit was managed well by a team of doctors. "At 3:15 pm she again suffered a cardiac arrest. She was put on a ventilator and at 3:55 pm she passed away peacefully," he told news agency ANI.

Sheila Dikshit was the senior-most Congress leader in its Delhi unit. She served as Delhi's chief minister for 15 years. She was also very close to UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi. Sheila Dikshit was president of Delhi Congress. She served as Delhi's chief minister for 15 years from 1998-2013.

Here are the LIVE updates on the reactions and other developments:

9:51 pm: My heart filled with grief, great sense of loss: Sonia Gandhi writes to Sandeep Dikshit

I write to you with my heart filled with grief and a great sense of loss, for your beloved mother occupied a huge space in it: Sonia Gandhi

I came to share my husband's regard for Sheilaji & to value her very special gifts as I developed my own close relationship with her. We worked closely together during the years she was Chief Minister of Delhi, DPCC chief & Secretary of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust: Sonia Gandhi

She worked with such vision and dedication to transform Delhi, to make it a much better place to live in for all its citizens, including the poorest, and that tremendous achievement remains her lasting legacy: Sonia Gandhi

She brought grace, humanity, wisdom, and excellence to everything she did. And with what courage and loyalty she served the Congress Party, till the end! I pray that you find the strength to bear your loss: Sonia Gandhi

9:24 pm: Two days mourning, state funeral announced for Sheila Dikshit

The Delhi government announced two-day state mourning for former Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who died on Saturday, and also to accord her a state funeral.



"Delhi government has decided to observe a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister and veteran leader Sheila Dikshit. She will be accorded a state funeral," Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia tweeted.

8:28 pm: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lays wreath and pays respects to Sheila Dikshit at the latter's residence in Nizamuddin. He said, "It is great loss for the country & Congress party. Delhi has lost an outstanding leader & administrator who transformed the state beyond recognition. Country will remember her contribution towards the transformation of Delhi for a long time.

8:21 pm: Actress Sharmila Tagore pays respects

Delhi: Actress Sharmila Tagore pays respects to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at the latter's residence in Nizamuddin. Dikshit, 81, passed away due to cardiac arrest, earlier today. pic.twitter.com/zCMGrfOBAK ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





8:19 pm: Former President Pranab Mukherjee pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Leaving her residence, Pranab Mukherjee told India Today TV: "I knew her even before she entered politics, it's a great loss to the nation, they have lost an able administrator and a fine leader."

8:12 pm:

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh: Sheila Ji was counted among the most seasoned politicians of our nation. Her political life was spotless, I pay my tributes to her. pic.twitter.com/3P0lzGJ51I ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





8:09 pm: Former President Pranab Mukherjee reaches to pay tribute

8:05 pm:

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal: People will miss Sheila Dikshit ji a lot, she had worked a lot for Delhi. Even though we were from different parties, whenever I met her she showed a lot of love. I pray to god to give peace to her soul & strength to her family to cope with this loss. pic.twitter.com/uNSDpxL2Xh ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





8:03 pm: Delhi govt will observe a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect: Manish Sisodia

The Delhi government has decided to observe a two-day state mourning as a mark of respect in the memory of former Chief Minister and veteran leader Sheila Dikshit ji. She will be accorded a state funeral: Manish Sisodia

7:56 pm: Home Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to Sheila Dikshit

Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, due to cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/CcfGLpZpts ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





7:48 pm: Mother's name will be remembered for Delhi's growth: Sandeep Dikshit

My mother passed away, it's natural that I'll miss her. The pain of losing a mother cannot be erased. Whenever people will talk of a developed & growing Delhi, Sheila ji's name will be remembered: Sandeep Dikshit

7:44 pm: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pay tribute to Sheila Dikshit

7:42 pm: BJP MP & BJP Delhi President, Manoj Tiwari pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest.

7:35 pm: Manmohan Singh to pay last respects to Sheila Dikshit at her residence shortly.

7:28 pm: PM Modi pays tribute to Sheila Dikshit | Watch

#WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/YV1YpychEh ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





7:26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, due to a cardiac arrest.

9:25 pm: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who passed away today, in Delhi due to cardiac arrest.

7:15 pm: Congress flag lowered to half-mast at party headquarters in Delhi

7:09 pm: Kiran Bedi: Very saddened to hear of Mrs Dixit’s passing away. She was a woman of culture and finesse as I remember her. She was a delight to converse with. Delhi owes her a lot. She will be remembered for all that changed in Delhi under her leadership.

6:59 pm: Very saddened to hear of Mrs Dixit’s passing away. She was a woman of culture and finesse as I remember her. She was a delight to converse with. Delhi owes her a lot. She will be remembered for all that changed in Delhi under her leadership: DMK's Kanimozhi

6:54 pm: Jyotiraditya Scindia reaches Sheila Dikshit's residence.

Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit who passed away today, in Delhi due to a cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/1xaLh7iz9p ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019





6:49 pm: Sonia Gandhi reaches Sheila Dikshit's residence at Nizamuddin to pay tribute to the Congress leader.

Delhi: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi pays tribute to former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. pic.twitter.com/FxKxCCT48J ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

6:44 pm: Congress leader Ajay Maken has tweeted that Sheila Dikshit was his mentor and a mother-like figure to him. Offering his condolences, Ajay Maken said, "Hard to believe-My mentor and a mother-like figure to me #SheilaDikshit ji is no more. Delhi can never forget her contribution. I will always thankfully remember the way she groomed me as a young politician and granted me valuable learning experience under her guidance! Om Shanti."

6:39 pm: Saddened to know about the demise of Sheila Dikshit Ji, a senior leader of the Congress party. Condolences to bereaved family members and supporters. She will be remembered for her works. May God render peace to the departed soul. Om Shanti: Arun Jaitley

6:34 pm: Sheila Dikshit: Last empress of Delhi who loved the city like a teenager

Born as Sheila Kapoor in Punjab in a family of an Army officer, she made her debut in politics from Uttar Pradesh but identified herself primarily with Delhi. Contesting the Lok Sabha election this year at 81, Sheila Dikshit said she was fighting to save Delhi, a city she was passionate about like teenage love. Click here to read more.

6:00 pm: Sheila Dikshit's body will be taken to the Congress headquarters at 12 pm tomorrow. Her last rites will be performed at 2.30 pm, the Congress said.

5: 45 pm: The Delhi government has announced two-day state mourning in view of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit's death today.

5:30 pm: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said she is "deeply saddened" by the demise of Sheila Dikshit. "She loved me. Whatever she did for Delhi and the country, people will remember it. She was a big leader of the Congress party. Her contribution towards the party, politics of nation, especially to Delhi, is immense."

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5:24 pm: Sheila Dikshit's body is being taken to her home in Nizamuddin from Fortis Escort hospital. Her supporters and well-wishers will be allowed to pay tributes. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said it will soon be decided at what time her body will be taken to the Congress headquarters in New Delhi before her last rites.

Delhi: Mortal remains of Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit brought to her residence in Nizamuddin. pic.twitter.com/NRR8eBlvIr ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019

5:20 pm: Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari said Sheila Dikshit's death comes as a big shock to him. He said she welcomed him like a mother. "I had met her recently. It is a big shock. I remember how she welcomed me like a mother. Delhi will miss her. May God give her family and her closed ones the strength to bear this loss."

5:10 pm: Last rites at 2.30 pm tomorrow

Sheila Dikshit's body will kept at her house in Nizamuddin, New Delhi so that her supporters and well-wishers can pay their tributes. Sheila Dikshit's last rites will be performed at 2.30 pm tomorrow at Nigam Bodh Ghat.

In Pictures | Sheila Dikshit passes away at 81, a look at her journey

5:00 pm: Full text of statement from Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi

"Mrs Sheila Dixit was brought in the morning on July 20, 2019 to Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla, New Delhi, in a critical condition with cardiac arrest.



A multi-disciplinary team of doctors, led by Dr Ashok Seth, Chairman, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, carried out the advanced resuscitative measures. Her condition stabilised temporarily. However, she had another cardiac arrest and despite all the resuscitative efforts, passed away at 3:55pm on July 20, 2019."

ALSO READ | From archives: Sheila Dikshit, as a politician, defies the stereotype

4:50 pm: In view of Sheila Dikshit's death, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has cancelled his scheduled trip to Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu and Kashmir.

4:45 pm: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress president Mamata Banerjee has expressed condolences on the death of Sheila Dikshit. "Deeply saddened at the passing (away) of Sheila Dikshit Ji. When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her," Mamata Banerjee said in a tweet.

Deeply saddened at the passing of Sheila Dikshit Ji. When I became MP, she was the Parliamentary Affairs Minister. She always maintained good relations with me. We will all really miss her Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 20, 2019

4:40 pm: Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi said he is devastated to hear the news. "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 andthe citizens of Delhi, whom she served selflessly as a three-term CM, in this time of great grief."

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

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4:30 pm: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said he is shocked to hear the sudden demise of Sheila Dikshit. "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 terms," he said.

4:28 pm: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too has expressed sadness on the death of Sheila Dikshit. He said Sheila Dikshit's death is a "huge loss"for the people of Delhi.

ALSO READ | President Kovind, PM Narendra Modi, others offer condolences on Sheila Dikshit's demise

"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 in a tweet.

4:25 pm: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences on the death of Sheila Dikshit. In a tweet he said he is deeply saddened by the news. "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," PM Modi said in a tweet.

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

4:20 pm: In a tweet, President Ram Nath Kovind said he is sad to hear about the death of Sheila Dikshit. The President said Sheila Dikshit was a senior politcal figure. "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. Condolences to her family and associates."

Known as a warm and affable politician, Sheila Dikshit carried out massive infrastructure development of Delhi during her tenure. She also launched a number of social welfare schemes with involvement of resident welfare associations as part of her participatory model of governance.

An able administrator, Sheila Dikshit could get along well with politicians from all parties for which she drew widespread respect.

She unsuccessfully fought the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the North-East Delhi constituency. She represented New Delhi constituency in Delhi Vidhan Sabha.

Sheila Dikshit became an MP for the first time from Kannauj Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh in 1984. She was also a close associate of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and a minister in his cabinet. She also served as governor of Kerala.

In a tweet, the Congress said it regrets the death of Sheila Dikshit. The party said as chief minister, she transformed the face of Delhi in her 15-year tenure.

"We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong congresswoman and as three-time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief," the Congress said.

We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit. Lifelong congresswoman and as three time CM of Delhi she transformed the face of Delhi. Our condolences to her family and friends. Hope they find strength in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/oNHy23BpAL Congress (@INCIndia) July 20, 2019

Meanwhile, condolences have started pouring in for Sheila Dikshit from her supporters and political leaders across party lines.

(With inputs from agencies)

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