By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 7, 2019: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday condoled the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

“Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Sushma Swarajji . She was a warm, respected and a learned leader. She was known to take personal interest even in smallest of people’s problem. Her departure has left a void in Indian politics. My heartfelt condolences to her family,” tweeted Patnaik.

Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of #SushmaSwaraj ji. She was a warm, respected and a learned leader. She was known to take personal interest even in smallest of people’s problem. Her departure has left a void in Indian politics. My heartfelt condolences to her family.

Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 7, 2019

The Chief Minister said that the former external minister was a “people’s Minister in the truest sense”.

As a self-made public persona, she was an icon for millions of women of this country. She was always out to help stranded Indians anywhere in the world,” he said.

He hailed her use of social media for providing instant assistance to people in distress.

“Her multi-linguistic skills with convincing oratory made her a leader of the masses. She was respected across the spectrum of socio-political milieu in India,” he added.

Sushma Swaraj passed away at AIIMS in the national capital late on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.