Janjivan Bureau / New Delhi : Top political leaders paid rich tributes to senior BJP 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.
BJP 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. In him, I have lost not only a senior leader of the organisation 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.”
Women 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. Om Shanti (sic).”
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 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,” he tweeted.
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, in a condolence message, described him as an eminent lawyer, an excellent orator, a very good administrator and an outstanding parliamentarian.
In his condolence message to Jaitley’s wife Sangeeta, former prime minister Singh said, “In his death our country has lost a great leader who always worked for the betterment of society”.
Gandhi expressed deep pain and distress at the passing away of Jaitley.
She said Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, parliamentarian and minister and his contributions to public life will forever be remembered.
Former president Pranab Mukherjee said he had visited him a day back and had 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,” he said.
The party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “Saddened to know about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. My deepest condolences to his family. An astute parliamentarian, he’ll always be remembered. May his soul Rest in Peace.” Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said in Jaitley the nation had a lost an articulate leader and an excellent human being.
Noted lawyer and former union minister Kapil Sibal said he has lost an old friend and a dear colleague.
“Very sorry to learn that Arun Jaitley is no more. An old friend and a dear colleague will be remembered for his seminal contributions to the polity and as FM of India. As Leader of Opposition he was without match. He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for his party,” he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “Deeply saddened to know of untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJP leader, Sh Arun Jaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace”. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said Jaitley’s death is a great loss for the country.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend Delhi Univ senior Arun Jaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU and I was President of St Stephen’s College Union. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect and debated his Budget often in LS. A great loss for India,” he tweeted.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also condoled the death, saying he is saddened and pained.
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 & a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends & admirers.”
