Admirers bid tearful adieu to Sheila

New Delhi, July 21

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Politicians cutting across party lines and admirers braved rough weather to bid farewell to Congress veteran Sheila Dikshit, who set an example even in death.

Dikshit, a former three-term Chief Minister of Delhi, was cremated using a compressed natural gas (CNG) machine at the city’s oldest cremation ground Nigambodh Ghat this afternoon.

A pioneer of CNG use in public transport and all walks of life, Dikshit had personally overseen the installation of CNG cremation machine at Nigambodh Ghat in 2012 as Delhi CM. “Sheila ji’s last rites were performed using the CNG machine, as was her last wish,” Dikshit’s son and former MP Sandeep Dikshit said today, indicating the late leader’s resolve to do everything in her power to cut pollution and save costs.

The cremation of Dikshit, 81, saw attendance of a sea of people led by senior politicians such as UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia.

Outgoing Congress president Rahul Gandhi was not present being abroad. His sister and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attended the last rites with husband Robert Vadra.

Dikshit was cremated with state honours after Delhi government on Saturday announced two-day mourning. Earlier today, Dikshit’s body, placed in a glass casket, was brought to Congress headquarters at 24, Akbar Road for workers and leaders to pay homage and bid farewell to the leader before her last journey. Sonia Gandhi, former PM Manamohan Singh, CMs of Rajasthan and MP Ashok Gehlot and Kamal Nath, respectively, were among the leaders present at AICC office.  — TNS

‘Bhagidari’— Delhi ex-CM’s pet project

The ‘Bhagidari’ scheme was one of the initiatives launched by Sheila Dikshit as Delhi CM. It involved people, including resident welfare associations and civic society, in the decision-making process. It was aimed at promoting participatory democracy. The scheme was appreciated by international agencies. 

Rush leads to chaos at cremation 

Heavy rush of mourners amidst light drizzle at the cremation ground led to unruly scenes, forcing the security personnel to regulate entry and irate grievers raising slogans against the Delhi Police. Even mediapersons were asked to stay away because of the rush of supporters.