New Delhi: Top political leaders across party lines paid tributes to senior BJP leader and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who passed away on Saturday following prolonged illness. He was 66.
He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Delhi for several weeks now.
Prime minister Narendra Modi said he has lost a valued friend, whom he had known for decades.
BJP president and Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Jaitley's death was a personal loss.
मैं ईश्वर से प्रार्थना करता हूँ कि वह दिवंगत आत्मा को शांति प्रदान करे और शोक संतृप्त परिवार को यह वियोग सहन करने की शक्ति दे।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019
ॐ शांति शांति शांति
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."
Another tweet read:
Deeply anguished by the demise of my friend and an extremely valued colleague Shri Arun Jaitley ji. He was a proficient lawyer by profession and an efficient politician by passion.
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2019
Women and child development minister Smriti Irani tweeted:
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
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."
Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi shares a condolence message for Shri Arun Jaitley. pic.twitter.com/19sEA2900u
— Congress (@INCIndia) August 24, 2019
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called Jaitley's untimely demise a huge loss for the nation.
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
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted:
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
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