Sheila Dikshit, a veteran politician, was the Delhi party chief during the Lok Sabha elections. The three-time former chief minister was appointed president of the city unit after the incumbent Ajay Maken stepped down citing health issues in January this year.
The Congress had lost all seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi to the BJP with huge margins. However, under Dikshit's leadership the party managed to push Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidates to the third place in five of the seven seats, besides registering a growth in its vote share.
After the Congress' defeat in Delhi, Sheila Dikshit had offered her resignation to the party president but it was not accepted.
"We regret to hear of the passing of Smt Sheila Dikshit," the Congress said in a tweet. "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."
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was deeply saddened by the Dikshit's demise. "Blessed with a warm and affable personality, she made a noteworthy contribution to Delhi's development. Condolences to her family and supporters."
