Lost a Valued Friend: PM Modi, Others Condole Arun Jaitley’s Death

Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley passed away in New Delhi’s AIIMS on Saturday, 24 August, at 12.07 pm.

Jaitley, 66, had been undergoing treatment at AIIMS for several weeks. Jaitley was admitted on 9 August, after complaining of breathlessness.

From Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, leaders across political parties united to condole Jaitley’s demise.

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

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.

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 24, 2019

Press Release: Vice President condoles the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley https://t.co/hBnkbB0Ofc

— VicePresidentOfIndia (@VPSecretariat) August 24, 2019

Congress Interim President Sonia Gandhi issued a statement on Arun Jaitley’s demise expressing deep pain and distress at his passing. She added that Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure and that his contributions to public life would forever be remembered.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also expressed his condolences.

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

अरुण जेटली जी के निधन से अत्यंत दुःखी हूँ, जेटली जी का जाना मेरे लिये एक व्यक्तिगत क्षति है।

उनके रूप में मैंने न सिर्फ संगठन का एक वरिष्ठ नेता खोया है बल्कि परिवार का एक ऐसा अभिन्न सदस्य भी खोया है जिनका साथ और मार्गदर्शन मुझे वर्षो तक प्राप्त होता रहा।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019

Arun Jaitley ji served the nation in several capacities and he was an asset to the government and the party organisation.

He always had a deep and clear understanding of the issues of the day. His knowledge and articulation won him several friends.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) August 24, 2019

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

Deeply mourn the demise of Former Union Minister & Sr BJP leader Sh. #ArunJaitley. My deepest condolence to the bereaved family. Rest in peace Jaitley ji.
He will be remembered by politicians of all ages as a man who always gave a patient hearing to resolve issues.

— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 24, 2019

Shocked at the demise of our guide and friend Arun Jaitley Ji. His wits, elephantine memory, great oratory skills, logical & unbeatable arguments & articulations will always be remembered. It is a great loss for @BJP4India and the country pic.twitter.com/LEzIy27fll

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) August 24, 2019

Extremely sad to hear about passing away of our dear friend,legal brain,sharp mind,astute strategist,seasoned politician,exemplary Parliamentian,exceptional communicator,Sr leader,colleague of years #ArunJaitley will always feel void,could never forget him&contribution Om Shanti

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 24, 2019

Shri Arun Jaitley, our former Finance Minister, a senior BJP member and a brilliant orator, who with his spirited debating capabilities, energised the Parliament. The Maharastra Navnirman Sena humbly pays its tribute to Shri. Jaitley. #ArunJaitley

— Raj Thackeray (@RajThackeray) August 24, 2019

My tribute to Arun Jaitley pic.twitter.com/SuqH8jZAAv

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) August 24, 2019

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

Shri Jaitley was a legislator par excellence & an exceptional lawyer. In my long association with him, first in Parliament & then as my Minister from 2014-17, I admired his grasp of Constitutional matters. Discussions with him were always fruitful, engaging & informative.

— Pranab Mukherjee (@CitiznMukherjee) August 24, 2019

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 .

— Kapil Sibal (@KapilSibal) August 24, 2019