Arun Jaitley passes away

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SME Times News Bureau | 24 Aug, 2019

Former Finance Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitely passed away at AIIMS on Saturday after prolonged illness. Jaitley had undergone dialysis on Thursday.

"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Member of Parliament (MP) at 12:07 p.m. on Saturday. Jaitley was admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi on August 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors," said Aarti Vij, Chairperson, Media and Protocol, AIIMS.

President expresses condolences on Jaitley's death

President Ram Nath Kovind on Saturday expressed condolences on the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, saying that his death leaves a huge void in the intellectual ecosystem.

"Extremely saddened by the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley after battling a long illness with fortitude and dignity. A brilliant lawyer, a seasoned parliamentarian, and a distinguished minister, he contributed immensely to nation building," he tweeted.

In another tweet, the President said: "Shri Arun Jaitley possessed a unique ability of discharging the most onerous responsibility with poise, passion and studied understanding. His passing leaves a huge void in our public life and our intellectual ecosystem. Condolences to his family and associates."

Jaitley, 66, passed away on Saturday in Delhi after prolonged illness.

Lost a valued friend, says Modi after Jaitley's demise

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his condolences over the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, saying that he has lost a valued friend and that the BJP and Jaitley shared an unbreakable bond.

Jaitley, 66, passed away after prolonged illness at the AIIMS on Saturday morning.

Modi said in a series of tweets: "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."

Modi also said that he has lost a valueable friend n Jaitley. "With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, I have lost a valued friend, whom I have had the honour of knowing 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!"

In another tweet, the Prime Minister said: "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."

"Full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma, Arun Jaitley Ji was admired by people across all sections of society. He was multi-faceted, having impeccable knowledge about India's Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration," he said.

The Prime Minister is presently in Abu Dhabi as part his three-nation trip to France, the UAE and Bahrain.

In another tweet, Modi said: "During his long political career, Arun Jaitley Ji held multiple ministerial responsibilities, which enabled him to contribute towards India's economic growth, strengthening our defence capabilities, creating people friendly laws and enhancing trade with other nations."

Venkaiah Naidu mourns Jaitley's demise

Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday expressed condolences on the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and said that his death is an irreparable loss to the nation.

"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," Naidu tweeted.

Naidu, who was to leave from Chennai to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, cut short his visit and is returning to Delhi.

In a series of tweets, the Vice President praised Jaitley and said he was a recipient of the Best Parliamentarian Award.

"Outstanding parliamentarian, legal luminary, towering intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity, Shri Jaitley distinguished himself by effectively handling important portfolios as union minister in the cabinets of Shri A.B. Vajpayee and Narendra Modi."

"Shri Jaitley strove hard and burnt the midnight oil to bring about a consensus across the political spectrum in ushering the revolutionary GST regime in the country. He made immense contribution to public discourse on various issues from time to time," Naidu said.

Jaitley had great intellect, knowledge: Pranab

Former President Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday condoled the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, saying that he was a leader with deep intellect and knowledge.

The former President said he had visited Jaitley at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday and prayed for his speedy recovery.

"Deeply saddened at the untimely passing away of Arun Jaitley. Visited him just day before and prayed for his speedy recovery. He was a leader with deep intellect and knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. My prayers with his family, friends and admirers," Mukherjee tweeted.

Jaitley, who was admitted at AIIMS in Delhi since August 9, passed away on Saturday after prolonged illness. He was 66.

Jaitley was a mentor and guide: Sitharaman

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday paid rich tributes to her predecessor Arun Jaitley, describing him as a mentor with matchless astuteness.

"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," she said in a tweet.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday morning after prolonged illness. Jaitley, 66, was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of breathlessness and restlessness.

The veteran BJP leader served as the Finance Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous cabinet from 2014 to 2018. He was also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2014.

During his stint in the Finance Ministry, Jaitley was instrumental in implementing the Goods and Service Tax (GST) aimed at streamlining India's indirect tax structure. It was also during his tenure that the controversial decision of demonetisation was taken.