New Delhi, Jul 20 (IANS): A large number of people, including several political leaders cutting across party lines, gathered outside the residence of Shiela Dikhsit in Nizamuddin East here soon after the news of her demise came in.

The veteran Congress leader and former Delhi Chief Minister passed away on Saturday at a private hospital here following a cardiac arrest. She was 81. Her mortal remains were brought to her residence at 5:30 p.m. from the Fortis Escorts hospital.

With a large number of people coming to pay their tributes to the departed soul, the Delhi Police have enhanced the security outside Sheila Dikshit's residence.

As soon as her body reached her residence, people raised "Shiela Dikshit Amar Rahe" slogans.

Senior Congress leader Jagdish Tytler and BJP veteran Vijay Goel were among the first to reach her residence.

Talking about his association with the three-time Delhi Chief Minister, Tytler said, "I can't not recall a single incident when Dikshitji used a harsh word for anyone. Her demise is a big loss not only for the Congress, but also for the people of Delhi".

Sheila Dikshit was the longest serving Chief Minister of Delhi, completing three consecutive tenures between 1998 and 2013 before losing to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal in December 2013.