Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi paid a moving tribute to Sheila Dikshit on Saturday, saying the former Delhi chief minister stood by her side in her "darkest years" and had also urged her to take up the Congress party's presidency.
Recalling her association with Dikshit, the UPA chairperson said that Dikshit guided her like an elder sister rather than a party colleague.
"My association with Sheilaji is longer than my political career. She stood by my side in my darkest years, later urging me again and again to take on the Presidentship of the Congress Party.
"When I did, she was there guiding me more like an older sister than a party colleague," she said.
At a programme held in memory of the three-time chief minister, Gandhi said that Dikshit never shied away from shouldering responsibility no matter how challenging.
"In the most recent elections, this year, she stepped forward like a loyal soldier of the party to contest a Lok Sabha seat even though she had not been too well. Sheilaji's life teaches us that that there is nothing more worthy for a public person than genuine service of the people," Gandhi said.
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About Dikshit's political career, Gandhi said she was one of the most able administrator the city ever had and was respected by people across political spectrum.
Her vision and hard work transformed the Indian capital into a thriving and efficient metropolis, making it a better place for all its inhabitants, Gandhi said.
"Her years at the helm became her crowning achievement. We who live here and benefited remain grateful and proud of her accomplishments," she said.
Remember Dikhshit, Gandhi became emotional as she said, "Delhi and the Congress party won't be the same without Sheilaji."