Sushma Swaraj, Indian lawyer and politician, Indian Minister of External Affairs

Sushma Swaraj (née Sharma; 14 February 1952 – 6 August 2019) was an exceptionally prominent Indian politician, a seasoned Supreme Court lawyer, and a towering figure within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Her distinguished career spanned over four decades, marked by pioneering achievements and a profound impact on Indian public life and foreign policy. She left an indelible mark as a formidable orator, an astute administrator, and a compassionate leader, earning widespread respect across political divides for her accessibility and dedication to public service.

Early Political Ascendancy and Pioneering Roles

Sushma Swaraj's political journey began remarkably early, demonstrating her exceptional talent and leadership prowess from a young age. In 1977, at just 25, she shattered conventional barriers by becoming the youngest-ever cabinet minister in the Indian state of Haryana. This significant achievement underscored her potential and set the stage for a trajectory defined by breaking new ground in Indian politics, often in male-dominated arenas.

Later, in 1998, Swaraj etched her name in history again by becoming the first female Chief Minister of Delhi. Although her tenure was brief, it was a landmark moment for the capital city, showcasing her capacity to lead and govern at a crucial administrative level. Her consistent electoral success, including serving seven terms as a Member of Parliament (MP) and three terms as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), cemented her reputation as a resilient and effective politician with deep parliamentary experience and a strong connection to the electorate.

Minister of External Affairs: A Global Diplomat with a Human Touch

One of Sushma Swaraj's most impactful roles was her tenure as India's Minister of External Affairs in the first Narendra Modi government, from 2014 to 2019. In this capacity, she became only the second woman to hold this prestigious portfolio, following the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, highlighting her unique position in Indian political history. As India's chief diplomat, Swaraj redefined the role with her distinctive blend of traditional foreign policy and a deeply compassionate, accessible approach. She transformed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) into a highly responsive institution, especially noted for its proactive and humanitarian efforts in assisting distressed Indians abroad.

Her tenure was characterized by several notable achievements and a groundbreaking style:

Her extraordinary accessibility, empathetic leadership, and dedication to the welfare of Indians overseas earned her the moniker of India's "best-loved politician" by the prestigious US daily, The Wall Street Journal, a testament to her widespread popularity and effective public service.

A Parliamentary Stalwart and Popular Mandate

Sushma Swaraj's deep connection with the electorate was consistently evident through her resounding victories in parliamentary elections. In the 2014 Indian general election, she secured a massive mandate from the Vidisha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, winning by a staggering margin of over 400,000 votes. This was her second consecutive term representing Vidisha, reinforcing her strong popular base in the region and her ability to connect directly with the aspirations and concerns of the people she represented. Her extensive experience as an MP and MLA provided her with an unparalleled understanding of legislative processes and public administration, making her a formidable voice in Parliament.

Health Challenges and Untimely Demise

Despite her unwavering commitment to public service, Sushma Swaraj faced significant health challenges in her later years. She underwent a kidney transplant in 2016, a major medical procedure that necessitated careful recovery. Prioritizing her health, she made the difficult decision not to contest the 2019 Indian general election. She publicly stated her need to "save herself from dust and stay safe from infection" during the rigorous and demanding election campaigns, which consequently led her to not join the second Modi Ministry formed in 2019, much to the disappointment of many admirers.

Tragically, Sushma Swaraj passed away on the night of 6 August 2019, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Doctors confirmed her demise was due to a cardiac arrest following a heart attack, an untimely end to a life dedicated with immense passion and energy to the service of the nation.

Enduring Legacy and National Recognition

Sushma Swaraj's immense contributions to Indian public life were posthumously recognized in 2020 when she was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian honor. This prestigious award, bestowed in the field of Public Affairs, underscored her profound and lasting impact on the nation's political landscape, diplomacy, and the welfare of its citizens. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly women, aspiring to leadership roles and committed public service in Indian politics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who was Sushma Swaraj?
Sushma Swaraj was a distinguished Indian politician and Supreme Court lawyer, widely recognized as a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). She held several key ministerial portfolios, including the influential Minister of External Affairs, and was celebrated for her accessible, empathetic, and effective approach to public service and diplomacy.
What were her most significant pioneering achievements?
Sushma Swaraj achieved several historical milestones, including becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Haryana at 25, the first female Chief Minister of Delhi, and the second woman ever to serve as India's Minister of External Affairs. Her tenure as EAM was particularly noted for pioneering digital diplomacy and spearheading large-scale humanitarian evacuation operations globally.
Why was she referred to as "India's best-loved politician"?
The Wall Street Journal bestowed this title upon her due to her extraordinary public connect and compassionate approach, particularly through her innovative use of social media. She directly responded to citizens' distress calls on platforms like Twitter and provided prompt assistance, making the Ministry of External Affairs remarkably accessible to the common person.
What national honor did Sushma Swaraj receive posthumously?
Sushma Swaraj was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2020. This is India's second-highest civilian award, recognizing her exceptional and distinguished service to the nation in the field of Public Affairs.
Why did Sushma Swaraj not contest the 2019 general election?
She opted out of the 2019 general election due to significant health reasons, specifically her recovery from a kidney transplant. She publicly stated her need to avoid the strenuous and physically demanding environment of election campaigns to "save herself from dust and stay safe from infection."