Top political leaders paid rich tributes to senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who died on Saturday.
The former Union minister died at AIIMS where he was undergoing treatment for several weeks. He was 66.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he has lost a valued friend, whom he had known for decades.
"His insight on issues and nuanced understanding of matters had very few parallels. He lived well, leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss him!" Modi said in a series of tweets.
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.
August 24, 2019President Ram Nath Kovind also condoled Jaitley's death and said he was extremely saddened.
"A brilliant lawyer, a seasoned parliamentarian, and a distinguished minister, he contributed immensely to nation building," he said.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said he was deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Jaitley, whom he described as "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.M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice PresidentBJP President and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Jaitley's death was a personal loss.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Arun Jaitley, Jaitley's departure is a personal loss for me. I have lost not only a senior leader of the organization but also an integral member of the family whose support and guidance I have been receiving for years," Shah tweeted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "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."
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted that Jaitley had been a mentor for many and that she'd “learnt so much from him.”
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.
August 24, 2019Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani said, "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."
The Congress said, "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."
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called Jaitley's untimely demise a huge loss for the nation.
"Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Shri 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," he tweeted.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said, "Extremely saddened at the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji, after a battle bravely borne. An outstanding Parliamentarian and a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends & admirers."
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