Chief Ministers of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh on Saturday mourned the death of former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit, saying it was a big loss for the country.

Expressing deep pain and anguish, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh described it as the passing away of a political era.

He said he was shocked and aggrieved at the sudden demise of Sheila Dikshit – a rare gem of a human being besides being a dignified and graceful politician, whom he had personally known for four decades.

"Her presence will be sorely missed not just in the Congress but by the people of Delhi, where she had toiled during her three terms as chief minister, to build a modern, vibrant and dynamic new city to meet their aspirations", said Capt Amarinder.

For him, it was a personal loss as she had always been like an elder sister to him, in whom he found guidance and support in the difficult moments and decisions of his life, said the Chief Minister.

Haryana Chief Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar expressed grief and sorrow on the sad demise of former Delhi Chief Minister. In a condolence message issued here, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to her family members and prayed the Almighty that the departed soul might rest in peace.

In his message, Himachal Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that contributions of Sheila Dikshit would always be remembered by the people for the development of Delhi.   He extended his condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed to the Almighty for peace of the departed soul.