A day after Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi wrote to Arun Jaitley’s wife, Sangeeta, expressing her grief over the demise of the former Union Minister, Rahul Gandhi also wrote to Sangeeta wishing “peace and strength” to the family on Sunday, 25 August.
In his letter, Rahul wrote that over the span of four decades, Jaitley had left his mark on politics.
In her own letter to Sangeeta, Sonia had written saying that Jaitley had attracted friends and admirers from across the political spectrum.
“I am very sad to learn of the passing away of your beloved husband,” Sonia wrote in the letter. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson paid tribute to the lawyer and politician, writing, “His sharp intellect and ability and his communication skills were evident in every cabinet position he held, in his role as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, and as a senior Advocate at the Supreme Court”.
‘I Share Your Pain’: Sonia
Addressing his battle with cancer, she wrote that “Jaitley fought his cruel illness with great courage till the end. His passing is all the more tragic because he was so young, when he had so much more to contribute to national life.”
Sonia also paid her last respects to the veteran BJP leader at his home on Saturday.
“Words are little consolation at this time of grief, but I wanted you, your son and your daughter to know that I share your pain. May Arun ji find eternal peace,” she added.
Jaitley, 66, passed away on Saturday afternoon at AIIMS where he had been admitted since 9 August.
After his mortal remains were moved to the BJP headquarters on Sunday, family members, party leaders and admirers including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and the staff of the Prime Minister’s Office made their way there to pay homage to Jaitley.
Various leaders across the political spectrum, including Rahul Gandhi, offered their condolences over the demise of Jaitley.
(With inputs from IANS, ANI.)
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