Sushma Swaraj, one of the BJP's most beloved leaders, has left a party in grief. Many party leaders paid an emotional tribute to a politician they described as the mentor who hand-held them through politics, parliament and the government.
Ms Irani was among the first leaders to reach Delhi's AIIMS hospital after news emerged that Sushma Swaraj was critically ill. On Twitter, she posted a poignant message about a lunch that never happened.
-
-
"US Protecting Its Interest": S Jaishankar On Trump's Oil Deal With Russia -
S Jaishankar's 'Indira' Reminder After Rahul Gandhi's Marco Rubio Jibe -
Best Of NDTV World Summit 2026 | Defining Conversations, Big Ideas -
PM Modi Says 'Parasite' Congress Hurts 'Honest' Dissent Movements -
"Some Dreaming Of Disorder": PM Modi's Dig At Rahul Gandhi -
"World That Relied On India's Brainpower Now Trusts Its Mindpower": PM Modi -
Non-Oil Trade With India Went Up 50% In 3 Years: UAE Minister At NDTV Summit -
"Some Dreaming Of Disorder": PM's "Failed Product Of Congress" Jibe At Rahul Gandhi -
'Viksit Bharat Not Just For Us': PM Modi's Top Quotes At NDTV World Summit -
Has Indian Cuisine Arrived At The Global Stage? What Vir Sanghvi Believes
"I have an axe to grind with you Didi . You made Bansuri pick a restaurant to take me for a celebratory lunch. You left without fulfilling your promise to the two of us," Ms Irani tweeted, referring to Ms Swaraj's daughter.
I have an axe to grind with you Didi . You made Bansuri pick a restaurant to take me for a celebratory lunch. You left without fulfilling your promise to the two of us.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 6, 2019
In another tweet, Ms Irani, the Women and Child Development Minister, wrote: "The untimely death of Didi has left numerous party workers like me shocked. I express my sympathy towards the bereaved family. As a party worker, if we dedicate our lives towards women upliftment, it would be a true tribute to her."
Ms Swaraj, former foreign minister, and Ms Irani had been cabinet colleagues in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's first term.
Ms Swaraj, who had been unwell for some time, had decided not to contest the national election or join the government after PM Modi won a second term.
Sushma Swaraj had not been keeping well lately; she was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday. (File image)
"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," PM Modi tweeted, calling her death a personal loss.
He also said a "glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end".
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
