Veteran BJP leader and former Finance Minister of India, Arun Jaitley is no more. He died on Saturday, 24th August at the age of 66 in the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi where he was admitted on August 9th at around 10 am. Jaitley was undergoing treatment at the Cardio-Neuro-Centre of the hospital since then after he complained of restlessness and breathlessness.
In its brief statement, AIIMS said, “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Arun Jaitley.”
Indian PM, Home Minister, Defense Minister Visited Jaitley
The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi paid a visit to AIIMS and met Jaitley prior to going on his abroad trip. Similarly, other members of the cabinet including the current Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, Home Minister Amit Shah, Minister of State for Health Ashwini Chobey, and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan visited Jaitley to enquire about his health in the last few days.
Jaitley was admitted earlier this year in May at AIIMS for treatment. He opted out of the Lok Sabha elections this year due to failing health. On May 14, Jaitley underwent a renal transplant during which time Piyush Goyal filled in for him as the finance minister. The lawyer by profession stopped attending office from early April 2018 but returned to the ministry office on August 23, 2018.
He had undergone bariatric surgery in September 2014 to correct his weight problem gained due to a long-standing diabetic condition.
Life of #ArunJaitley ji
– Graduated in Commerce from Shri Ram College
– Law Degree from DU
– Pres of Student Union in DU
– BJP Youth Wing Pres in 1980
– Minister of Law & Justice in 1999
– Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha
– Finance 2014 & Defence Minister in 2017Om Shanti? pic.twitter.com/PPTpODoCnt
— Ajit Doval (@AjitKDoval_FAN) August 24, 2019
Condolences Pour In
Jaitley was an important part of the Modi government in its first term and held the prominent defense and finance portfolios. He was the chief troubleshooter for the then government.
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
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
Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend&DelhiUniv senior @arunjaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU& I was President of StStephen’sCollegeUnion. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect&debated his Budget often in LS. A great loss4India pic.twitter.com/RzxO1V6NTV
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 24, 2019
The nation loses a great leader… You will be missed, #ArunJaitley ji… Thoughts and prayers with the family… ॐ शांति ??? pic.twitter.com/yfvKIWWJey
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) August 24, 2019
Pained at the passing away of #ArunJaitley ji. Apart from having served greatly in public life , he played a huge role in many players from Delhi getting an opportunity to represent India. There was a time when not many players from Delhi got a chance at the highest level ..cont
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2019
Sadly what remains is only memories.I was in #AtalBihariVajpayee cabinet,dear friend #ArunJaitley was colleague His invaluable contribution in several diverse sectors,government,parliament,legal fraternity,politics,public life is now unfortunately memory.Incredible contribution pic.twitter.com/2rm1DvgOJ0
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 24, 2019
Met Shri #ArunJaitley Ji almost 20 years back for the first time & have been his admirer ever since.
His demise is a huge loss for our nation.
Will be truly missed.
My heartfelt condolences to the family. ?? pic.twitter.com/XsBXwQnpj0— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) August 24, 2019
Unimaginable loss for Indian Politics!#ArunJaitley a man who donned many Hats ..a man who mesmerised all around Him ..a man who mentored many …a man for whom you felt knew almost about everything under the Sun ..is no more with us
His life was an inspiration indeed
ॐ शांति? pic.twitter.com/5Hu39zL3qr— Sambit Patra (@sambitswaraj) August 24, 2019
Arun Jaitley 66, Sushma Swaraj 67, Manohar Parrikar 63, Ananth Kumar 59. All gone within the past one year. Very sad. RIP. Om Shanti.
— Sumanth Raman (@sumanthraman) August 24, 2019
The nation loses another gem today#ArunJaitley pic.twitter.com/OXsoK0AR5s
— NaMo SriHari (@sri_hari1982) August 24, 2019
So shocked to hear about the death of legendary @arunjaitley Ji. A great loss to our Nation.
Heartfelt condolences to family and admirers of #ArunJaitley Ji, Rest In Peace Sir.#RIPArunJaitley pic.twitter.com/5rU6AnZ2ab
— V Sathyabama (@V_SathyaBama) August 24, 2019
We lost 2 diamonds ??in this month First sushma ji Now arun jaitley ji
RIP ? #ArunJaitley pic.twitter.com/6ZNMtPDSEO
— Anand Dubey (@Anand1437_) August 24, 2019
I am extremely sad on hearing the news of Former Finance Minister of India Sh. #ArunJaitley's demise. He was a leader respected across the political spectrum. My deepest condolences to his family & friends and hope they find strength to bear this loss. pic.twitter.com/UDOqOyKYJK
— Nadeem Javed (@nadeeminc) August 24, 2019
