New Delhi: Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday Jaitley, 66, was admitted on August 9 after he complained of breathlessness and restlessness.
The veteran leader served as finance minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s previous cabinet from 2014 to 2018. He was the Leader of Opposition from 2009 to 2014 in the Rajya Sabha. However, he did not contest the Lok Sabha election in 2019 presumably owing to his health condition. He is survived by his wife Sangeeta, son Rohan and daughter Sonali Jaitley.
Soon after the senior leader passed away, leaders from across the political spectrum condoled his demise. Here is what top leaders said while condoling his death:
PM Modi described Jaitley as "a political giant, a towering intellectual and a legal luminary".
Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India. His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society.— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
Later in Bahrain, Modi paid an emotional tribute to Jaitley, saying he cannot imagine being so far away from India while his dear friend and party colleague had died in New Delhi.
Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu got news Arun Jaitely's demise as his helicopter was about to take off from Chennai for the inauguration of two railway and one defence project at Nellore in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu cut short his programme and is returning to Delhi to pay his last respects. He said, "I am deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley,a long time dear friend and one of my closest associates. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me. I have no words to express my grief."
Union Home Minister and BJP President Amit Shah said Jaitley was "an exemplary speaker and a dedicated activist" who has served various responsibilities in the party and the government.
Given his varied experience and unique abilities, Arun ji has served various responsibilities in the Party & government.An exemplary speaker and a dedicated activist, Arun ji held several important portfolios like the Finance Minister, Defense Minister & LoP in the Rajya Sabha.— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019
Be it taking action against black money or realizing the dream of GST, or about demonetisation or giving relief to the common man, in his every decision lay the welfare of our country.Nation will always remember him as this benevolent man who always meant good for the people.— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019
Congress leader and Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi also condoled Jaitley's demise and extended his condolences to his family and friends.
I am sorry to hear about Mr Arun Jaitley's passing. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 24, 2019
Union Minister of Textile and Women & Child Development and BJP leader Smriti Irani said said "legal luminary @arunjaitley ji served the Nation and sangathan with dedication and zeal".
A stalwart who paid tribute to his simple beginnings by helping those with meagre means . Orator par excellence, legal luminary @arunjaitley ji served the Nation and sangathan with dedication and zeal. My tributes to him. Condolences to loved ones. Om Shanti.— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) August 24, 2019
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also offered his condolences on the social media site saying "Jaitleyji will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom and putting it back on the right track."
Jaitleyji will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom and putting it back on the right track. The BJP will miss Arunji’s presence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2019
Singh said Jaitley "was an asset for the country, for the govt, and for the party."
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Lucknow: Just got to know of the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji. He was an asset for the country, for the govt, and for the party. I will leave for Delhi to pay tributes to Arun Jaitley Ji. pic.twitter.com/QytAvzSJ4E— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019
BJP leader and Jaipur MP Rajyavardhan Rathore paid tributes to Jaitley and remembered him for his wit, humour and inquisitive nature.
A man of wit n humour, inquisitive but an encyclopedia, a trouble shooter like no one else, a teacher who taught w/o it feeling like a lesson, a man too young to go, a leadership void too difficult to fill, a mentor who will continue to light the path????Om Shanti #ArunJaitley— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 24, 2019
BJP National general secretary Ram Madhav, condoling Jaitley's death after a prolonged illness said, "66 or 67 is no age to go."
Another blow. Losing leaders like this is heartbreaking. 66 or 67 is no age to go. Arunji leaves behind a void much difficult to fill up. Deep sorrow n condolences. pic.twitter.com/8whIn9XMO6— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) August 24, 2019
"I am speechless..." said Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari on Twitter on the demise of former finance minister Arun Jaitley.
निशब्द हूं, अरुण जी को मेरी भावभीनी श्रद्धांजलि। देश को उनकी कमी हमेशा खलेगी। राज्यसभा में पक्ष और विपक्ष में रहते उनके दिए भाषण हमेशा चिरन्तन रहेंगे।— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) August 24, 2019
The BJP's national vice chairperson Uma Bharti referred to the former parliamentarian as her elder brother.
अरुण जेटली जी का निधन मेरी निजी क्षति है क्योंकि मेरे बड़े भाई अब मुझे छोड़कर चले गए। मैं इस गहरे दुख की घड़ी में उनके परिवार के साथ हूं।— Uma Bharti (@umasribharti) August 24, 2019
Tributes from across the political spectrum continued to trickle in, with Delhi chief minister also mourning the loss of the "legal luminary".
Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Sh Arun Jaitley ji is a huge loss to the nation. A legal luminary and an experienced political leader known for his governance skills will be missed by the country. Thoughts and prayers with his family in this moment of grief. RIP— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 24, 2019
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa also extended his condolences on the demise of former finance minister Arun Jaitley.
I am saddened to hear demise of Sri @arunjaitley, the senior leader and former Union minister who worked hard to make a significant change in the economic reform of the country as the Finance Minister. It is an insurmountable loss to the country. May his soul rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/LR6iY4uRNX— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) August 24, 2019
Former Karnataka chief minister and Congress leader Siddaramaiah also took to Twitter to express his grief.
Sad to know that Shri. @arunjaitley is no more. May his soul rest in peace.My deepest condolences to his family members & well-wishers. pic.twitter.com/LAKQVXFiep— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 24, 2019
Congress leader and chief minister of Rajasthan Ashok Gehlot offered his condolences to the veteran BJP leader's family via Twitter
Deeply saddened to know of untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJP leader, Sh #ArunJaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace.— Ashok Gehlot (@ashokgehlot51) August 24, 2019
JD(S) national President and former Prime Minister of India, HD Deve Gowda called Jaitley "one of the tallest leaders of our country", while recounting his contributions to the various portfolios he handled in the Union cabinet.
It is shocking to learn about the sad demise of one of the tallest leaders of our country @arunjaitley, the former Union Minister who had held the portfolios of Finance, Defence, Corporate Affairs,Commerce and Industry and Law and Justice. A great loss to our Nation.#ArunJaitley— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) August 24, 2019
West Bengal chief minister Manata Banerjee referred to the departed BJP leader as an "outstanding Parliamentarian & a brilliant lawyer" while paying her tribute.
Extremely saddened at the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji, after a battle bravely borne. An outstanding Parliamentarian & a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends & admirers— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 24, 2019
Deputy chief minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot said on Twitter that it was "a sad day and a great loss for India".
Deeply saddened to hear that Shri @arunjaitley is no more. My prayers are with the family for strength during this time and for the departed soul to find peace. It is a sad day and a great loss for India as Jaitley Ji‘s contributions have been many.— Sachin Pilot (@SachinPilot) August 24, 2019
Personalities from other walks of life, like former Infosys chairman TV Mohandas, also extended their condolences.
A great Indian @arunjaitley has left us:He always stood for India and all of us; He dreamt of a New India where we all could achieve our dreams; everybody loved him and respect him; we will miss him Om Shanthi— Mohandas Pai (@TVMohandasPai) August 24, 2019
Biocon chairperson and MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw tweeted, "Arun Jaitley, Senior BJP Leader And Former Union Minister, Dies At 66 - So very sad to see such a young and dynamic political leader’s life being cut short - he had so much more to contribute to our nation’s development. RIP".
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath tweeted that Jaitley served India with a positive take on politics.
देश के प्रख्यात विधिवेत्ता एवं पूर्व केंद्रीय वित्त मंत्री श्री @arunjaitley जी के निधन की खबर से स्तब्ध हूं।जेटली जी छात्र जीवन में ही भाजपा से जुड़े, आपातकाल के ख़िलाफ़ आवाज मुखर की एवं आजीवन सकारात्मक राजनीति के साथ माँ भारती की सेवा करते रहे।— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 24, 2019
Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri said Jaitley's death was "a huge personal loss."
Deeply saddened & heartbroken on the demise of my old friend, senior party leader, distinguished lawyer & political stalwart Sh Arun Jaitley Ji. A huge personal loss. Heartfelt condolences to his wife Sangeeta Ji & children Sonali & Rohan.Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/7GUhsl0rFl— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) August 24, 2019
Tejashwi Yadav of the RJD also offered his condolences.
पूर्व केंद्रीय मंत्री श्री अरुण जेटली जी के असामयिक निधन से मन व्यथित है। भगवान उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें।#ArunJaitley— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) August 24, 2019
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to Twitter reminiscing his time together with Jaitley in college. He said, "We first met when he was at DUSU & I was President of St Stephen’s College Union."
Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend&DelhiUniv senior @arunjaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU& I was President of StStephen’sCollegeUnion. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect&debated his Budget often in LS. A great loss4India pic.twitter.com/RzxO1V6NTV— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 24, 2019
Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said "the mind is distracted" and tweeted:
अरुण जेटली जी का जाना अत्यन्त दुखदाई है। भाजपा परिवार के श्रद्धेय, अग्रज, संगठन के प्रबुद्ध स्तम्भ। देर से चली आ रही अस्वस्थता के कारण आज हमे छोड़ कर चले गए। मन विचलित है। प्रभू हम सब को इस दुख से निपटने का साहस दे। ॐ शांति— Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (@gssjodhpur) August 24, 2019
Member of the Parliament from Punjab's Gurdaspur, Sunny Deol offered his condolences:
Nation loses another great leader.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.#ArunJaitley pic.twitter.com/RXGw1bWDLP— Sunny Deol (@iamsunnydeol) August 24, 2019
The Congress, from its official Twitter handle said that their thoughts and prayers were with Arun Jaitley's family.
We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley. Our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief. pic.twitter.com/7Tk5pf9edw— Congress (@INCIndia) August 24, 2019
Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said Jaitley was a "fine large-hearted person" and paid her tribute.
No words can describe the loss of Shri @arunjaitley. A mentor to many of us, a guide and a moral support and strength. Have learnt so much from him. A fine large-hearted person. Always ready to help anyone/everyone. His intelligence, sagacity, astuteness have no match.— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 24, 2019
Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh said, "My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief."
Sad to hear that former Union Minister #ArunJaitley ji has passed away. My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) August 24, 2019
Chief minister of Assam Sarbananda Sonowal referred to Arun Jaitley as a "towering leader, whose contribution towards shaping the growth story of New India is unparalleled."
Extremely saddened to learn of the demise of former Finance Minister #ArunJaitley ji. An inspiration & guide, we have lost a towering leader, whose contribution towards shaping the growth story of New India is unparalleled. My deepest condolences in this hour of grief. pic.twitter.com/UIdAKIsxex— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 24, 2019
Former cricketer Anil Kumble said he "fondly remember(s) our conversations around cricket," and paid his respects on Twitter.
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our conversations around cricket. His contributions in every field will remain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ????????— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2019
Congress leader Digvijay Singh said ,"His death has caused irreparable damage to Indian politics", saying that his prays to God that his soul rest in peace.
अरुण जेटली नहीं रहे। बड़े लम्बे समय से बीमार थे। उनके निधन से भारतीय राजनीति को अपूर्णीय क्षति हुई है। वे अच्छे वकील अच्छे सांसद होने के साथ एक नेक इंसान थे। मैं उनको श्रद्धांजली अर्पित करता हूँ और ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ, उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करें।— digvijaya singh (@digvijaya_28) August 24, 2019
Minister of State for Culture and Tourism Prahlad Singh Patel also took to Twitter and said "the places occupied by some politicians can never be filled by another."
आदरणीय जेटली जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार दुखी कर गया ।कुछ नेताओं के रिक्त स्थान कभी नहीं भरे जाते।उनका जाना देश और दल के लिए बड़ी क्षति है,महत्वपूर्ण विकास यात्रा के बीच इस व्यक्तित्व काअसमय जाना बड़ी क्षति है।विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि @MinOfCultureGoI @incredibleindia @BJP4India @BJP4MP— Prahlad Singh Patel (@prahladspatel) August 24, 2019
Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal tweeted that the former finance minister's death was a personal loss to him. He also offered his condolences to Jaitley's family.
आदरणीय जेटली जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार दुखी कर गया ।कुछ नेताओं के रिक्त स्थान कभी नहीं भरे जाते।उनका जाना देश और दल के लिए बड़ी क्षति है,महत्वपूर्ण विकास यात्रा के बीच इस व्यक्तित्व काअसमय जाना बड़ी क्षति है।विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि @MinOfCultureGoI @incredibleindia @BJP4India @BJP4MP— Prahlad Singh Patel (@prahladspatel) August 24, 2019
Former Chhattisgarh chief minister Ajit Jogi tweeted "he was the best parliamentarian of our generation"
@arunjaitley जी बहुमुखी प्रतिभा के धनी और पिछले 35 वर्षों से मेरे मित्र रहे।अरुण भाई के निधन पर शोकित और स्तब्ध हूँ।हमारी पीढ़ी के वे सबसे अच्छे परलियमेंटेरियन थे और अपने तर्कों से सबको किंकर्तव्य विमूढ़ कर देते थे।वकील के रूप में उनका कोई सानी नहीं था। उनके घर जब भी लंच पर गया— Ajit Jogi (@ajitjogi_cg) August 24, 2019
President of India Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, Arun Jaitley's "death is a great loss to our public life and intellectual field".
श्री अरुण जेटली, कठिन से कठिन कार्य को शांति, धैर्य और गहरी समझदारी के साथ पूरा करने का अद्भुत सामर्थ्य रखते थे। उनका देहावसान हमारे सार्वजनिक जीवन और बौद्धिक क्षेत्र के लिए बहुत बड़ी क्षति है। उनके परिवार और सहयोगियों के प्रति मेरी गहन शोक संवेदनाएं — राष्ट्रपति कोविन्द— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 24, 2019
Senior advocate at the Supreme Court of India Menaka Guruswamy tweeted "these past few weeks, the Supreme Court Bar has lost two senior colleagues, Sushma Swaraj and today, Arun Jaitley."
These past few weeks, the Supreme Court Bar has lost two senior colleagues, Sushma Swaraj and today, Arun Jaitley. Both were deeply generous to younger colleagues. Our condolences to their families. As a legal profession we are lesser by their passing.#sushmaswaraj #ArunJaitley— Menaka Guruswamy (@MenakaGuruswamy) August 24, 2019
Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Shaktikanta Das said that Jaitley was a "unique combination of extraordinary knowledge,sharpness of mind and wisdom."
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. No words to describe the sense of grief. A great personality.Unique combination of extraordinary knowledge,sharpness of mind and wisdom.Above all a good human being. May his soul rest in peace.— Shaktikanta Das (@DasShaktikanta) August 24, 2019
Author Chetan Bhagat also took to Twitter to express his remorse.
So sad to hear about the demise of @arunjaitley. May your soul rest in peace. So many wonderful memories of someone who listened well, spoke well and worked tirelessly. You will be missed. https://t.co/3A11RZe78D— Chetan Bhagat (@chetan_bhagat) August 24, 2019
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal referred to Arun Jaitley as an elder brother whose demise has left a void behind.
श्री अरूण जेटली जी मेरे लिये एक पथप्रदर्शक और बड़े भाई जैसे थे, उनसे जीवन में बहुत कुछ सीखने को मिला। उनका असमय ऐसे चले जाना मुझमें एक ऐसा शून्य छोड़ गया है, जिसे कोई नही भर सकता।ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को मोक्ष प्रदान करें व हम सबको यह अपार दुख सहने करने की शक्ति दें।— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 24, 2019
Businessman Robert Vadra was also among those who paid their tributes. He said, "I am saddened to know about the untimely demise of Mr. Arun Jaitley. I remember meeting him on a few occasions and he came across as a very pleasant personality. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May his soul rest in peace."
BJP leader Pratap Sarangi also tweeted saying, "My Deep condolences to the bereaved family and heartfelt tribute to the untimely demise of Arjunji.The country ll miss him forever for his endless contributions to politics,both inside and outside the parliament.His speeches and participation in the Parliament will immortal him."
Former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh and Samajwadi party chief Akhilesh Yadav tweeted "Shri Arun Jaitley will always be remembered as a skillful, successful advocate and a gentle politician."
श्री अरुण जेटली जी एक कुशल वक़्ता, सफल अधिवक्ता और सौम्य राजनीतिज्ञ के रूप में सदैव स्मरणीय रहेंगे. विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि! ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे. शोकाकुल परिजनों के प्रति हार्दिक संवेदना.— Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) August 24, 2019
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group said, "A gifted orator, dynamic parliamentarian, champion of public policy and a man with an invaluable ability to connect with people from different sections, Mr. Arun Jaitley's vision and progressive thinking has been a catalyst in shaping New India."
Interim Congress President Sonia Gandhi offers her condolences over former finance minister Arun Jaitley's demise.
Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi's statement on former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's demise. pic.twitter.com/P6iQjs0GJJ— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019
Former President of India PRanab Mukherjee expressed remorse over Jaitley's death saying and said, "Visited him just day before & prayed for his speedy recovery."
Deeply saddened at the untimely passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley. Visited him just daybefore & prayed for his speedy recovery. He was a leader with deep intellect & knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. My prayers with his family, friends & admirers.— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 24, 2019
China's Ambassador to India Sun Weidong said also paid his respects.
Sad to learn that former Finance Minister #ArunJaitley has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to the deceased and his family.— Sun Weidong (@China_Amb_India) August 24, 2019
Praising Arun Jaitley as a cultured gentleman who had cordial ties with all cutting across party lines, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami said, "Arun Jaitley's passing away is a huge loss not only for his family but also for his party and the entire Indian nation."
BJP veteran LK Advani offered his respects after former finance minister Arun Jaitley's demise saying, "I am deeply saddened to condole the passing away of yet another close colleague Shri Arun Jaitley ji." Advani lauded him for his contributions to the sphere of law and legislature, and also to his party. He said, "Arunji was known and respected for his sharp, analytical mind and everyone in the BJP always depended on him for finding solutions to complex issues."
LK Advani fondly remembered the late parliamentarian's love for food, "A food lover, he never failed to recommend good restuarants to me. Also on every Deepawali, he made it a point to come with his family to our home to wish us."
Telangana Governor, ESL Narasimhan, prominent leaders including K Chandrasekhar Rao, CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, TD Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, BJP Leaders Bandaru Dattatreya, DK Aruna, TRS working president KT Rama Rao, health minister E Rajender, former minister T Harish Rao, MP Sujana Chowdhary, and others on Saturday condoled the demise of Arun Jaitley and expressed grief.
The RSS remembered Jaitley as a talented and learned leader who made an important contribution towards the development of the country. "This talented and learned leadership is no more now. Jaitley had begun his social and political life at a very young age. The country is progressing on the path of development in various fields for which his contribution was necessary as well as important. May his soul rest in peace," a statement by the party said.
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