The former Minister of External Affairs of India, Sushma Swaraj, decided to not partake in the Lok Sabha elections this year, due to health-related issues. However, people had hopes that she might get nominated for Rajya Sabha and become a part of the cabinet.
Yesterday, when people noticed during the swearing-in ceremony that this 66-year-old was sitting in the audience row, it finally hit them. This popular leader, who underwent a kidney transplant in December 2016, won’t return as a cabinet minister in Modi government 2.0.
She expressed her gratitude to PM Modi in a tweet, for giving her an opportunity to serve the people of India, for five years-
प्रधान मंत्री जी – आपने 5 वर्षों तक मुझे विदेश मंत्री के तौर पर देशवासियों और प्रवासी भारतीयों की सेवा करने का मौका दिया और पूरे कार्यकाल में व्यक्तिगत तौर पर भी बहुत सम्मान दिया. मैं आपके प्रति बहुत आभारी हूँ. हमारी सरकार बहुत यशस्विता से चले, प्रभु से मेरी यही प्रार्थना है.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) May 30, 2019
Seeing the end of Swaraj’s term as a foreign minister, some people took to Twitter to express their disappointment.
H.E. @SushmaSwaraj leaves a lasting legacy as External Affairs Minister. Thank you Madam for being a true friend, and a partner to the Maldives. Your commitment to your people, your dedication to serve, and your passion has inspired several including me. Sincere best wishes. pic.twitter.com/wVMZlJLNiE
— Abdulla Shahid 🎈 (@abdulla_shahid) May 30, 2019
With the big guys & little guys. As @SushmaSwaraj opts out of government, 2 unforgettable photos — with Obama & Bhutan’s Prince Jigme. pic.twitter.com/XRpc4BYkSh
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) May 30, 2019
Going to miss @SushmaSwaraj as MEA. Whoever takes on the role has to fill the really tall shadow cast by her.
— Harini Calamur (@calamur) May 30, 2019
..And i am not liking this headline “SUSHMA SWARAJ NOT TO BE PART OF MODI 2.0” . while i do believe it would have been for the health reasons , still feels bad that she is not going to be part of the cabinet.#ModiSarkar2 #ModiSwearingIn #sushmaswaraj
— Amruta Lokhande (@amrutaloki) May 30, 2019
💔to see @SushmaSwaraj ji 💔 not present for #SwearinginCeremony I really wish she get well soon fast n join the cabinet as before! #Modi2Begins #SushmaSwaraj
— Anshul🙋🇮🇳 (@anshul_73_) May 30, 2019
Govts may change, the cabinet may change, but Sushma Swaraj will go down as the most likeable cabinet ministers India has ever had. Hamid Ansari came back from a Pakistani Jail, he & his mother met Sushma ji on his return. Watch. I choked. pic.twitter.com/TVwqUC2Rxe
— Gabbbar (@GabbbarSingh) May 30, 2019
#sushmaswaraj will not be part of modi cabinet 😔 #ModiSarkar2
— Sahil darne (@DSahil_) May 30, 2019
Sushma had gone on to become a favourite among people for her work and quick responses on Twitter. Netizens got nostalgic remembering her work and contribution.
No second opinion on that. She was the real representation of what MotherIndia would be as a person – caring of her children, fiercely combative on her day, inspiring her children at every step with her forgiving nature and best of all – never playing favorites among her children
— Chowkidar PG VIJAIRAGHAVAN (@pgraghav) May 30, 2019
Madam Swaraj was one of a kind as EAM. Warmth and dedication,beautiful blend.May she be blessed always IA
— Nazia (@Nazia_nocturnal) May 30, 2019
#sushmaswaraj we want you back mem plzz guys do retweet and make it trending so that mem will return
— saksham gupta (@Guptasaksham07G) May 29, 2019
Why isn’t #SushmaSwaraj part of the cabinet? She was by far one of the most effective and efficient ministers in the #ModiSarkar!#SwearinginCeremony
— Aniket Pargaonkar 🇮🇳 (@aniketsp) May 30, 2019
Sushmaji .. In my living memory you have been the most inspirational EAM. As a long time BJP Supporter it makes me proud that yes only BJP can produce leaders like you. https://t.co/IG0jlAdlt5
— Jiggs 🇮🇳 (@Sootradhar) May 30, 2019
You’ll be remembered as a great human being by thousands of Indians — many in distress — whose lives you directly touched, and as the country’s best EAM till date by millions of Indians. Thanks for all the good work madam.
— Oldtimer (@auldtimer) May 30, 2019
Mrs Swaraj, I can not imagine anybody doing this job of EAM half as good as you did.
— Nandini Tandon (@_inidnan) May 30, 2019
Your absence would be felt not just in India, but across the globe among Indians. You are an inspiration.
Thank you for serving us. We Indians were lucky to have you.
India’s reaction when they heard @SushmaSwaraj ji is leaving pic.twitter.com/Br9MK3wbOC
— Priya Kulkarni (@priyaakulkarni2) May 30, 2019
No #sushmaswaraj this time ☹️ #ModiSwearingIn
— S (@shipj) May 30, 2019
I did not realize (until 2 mins back) that #SushmaSwaraj @SushmaSwaraj is not swearing in, which means she will not be a part of #ModiSarkar2
— Shantala Shenoy Nayak (@shanayatales) May 30, 2019
I’m so disappointed because she was one of the best MEA India had. A shining jewel of the #ModiCabinet #ModiSwearingIn
Really disappointed not to see Sushma swaraj in the cabinet #sushmaswaraj
— Megha (@M29J1) May 30, 2019
Sushma Swaraj has also removed ‘Minister of External Affairs’ from her Twitter bio.
