Former finance minister Arun Jaitley passes away at 66
Former finance minister Arun Jaitley passed away on Saturday (August 24) at the age of 66. The BJP stalwart has been unwell for a long time and was admitted at Delhi’s AIIMS from August 9.
In 2018, Jaitley underwent a kidney transplant surgery, following which he was put under isolation. Earlier in 2014, the former minister underwent a bariatric surgery to address the excess weight he had gained due to diabetes.
Arun Jaitley was known to be PM Narendra Modi’s ‘go-to’ man and would be given temporary responsibilities to handle other ministeries apart from his primary portfolio. As finance minister, Jaitley was in charge to create Modi’s budget plans. Before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he had personally written to the PM to not be given any responsibilities as he wanted to focus on his health.
A student leader of his time, Jaitley was a lawyer by profession. He is survived by his wife and two children.
BJP and other party leaders offered their condolences to Jaitley’s family by posting heartfelt messages on Twitter.
PM Narendra Modi posted:
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
Calling it a personal loss Amit Shah wrote:
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
Assam’s Himanta Biswa Sarma bowing down to his reverence said:
One of modern India's tallest architects, an accomplished lawyer, outstanding Parliamentarian, great administrator and wonderful human being – Sri Arun Jaitley is no more with us.
It is a moment of intense pain, as I bow down in reverence of the departed soul. pic.twitter.com/DNpIP1jsSg
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 24, 2019
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also posted about Jaitley:
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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