Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh condoled the passing away of senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley at AIIMS here on Saturday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, currently in UAE to attend the bilateral meet, spoke to Jaitley’s family who insisted him not to cut short his visit. After UAE, Mr Modi is scheduled to visit Bahrain.
In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said, ‘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.”
‘Full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma, Arun Jaitley Ji was admired by people across all sections of society. He was multi-faceted, having impeccable knowledge about India’s Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration,’ he added.
The Prime Minister also said, ‘During his long political career, Arun Jaitley Ji held multiple ministerial responsibilities, which enabled him to contribute towards India’s economic growth, strengthening our defence capabilities, creating people friendly laws and enhancing trade with other nations.”
‘BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society,’ he said.
‘With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, I have lost a valued friend, whom I have had the honour of knowing for decades. His insight on issues and nuanced understanding of matters had very few parallels. He lived well, leaving us all with innumerable happy memories. We will miss him!,’ Modi added.
Home Minister Amit Shah, who is in Hyderabad to participate in the National Police Academy Parade, has also cut short his programme and returning to the National Capital.
‘Deeply saddened with the demise of Arun Jaitley ji. His passing away is my personal loss,’ Shah said in a tweet. ‘In his demise, I have not only lost a senior leader of the party but also a member of my family whose guidance and support I used to get since long,’ the Home Minister added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, currently in Lucknow, said he is returning to Delhi.
‘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,’ Singh said in a series of tweets.
‘Arun Jaitley ji served the nation in several capacities and he was an asset to the government and the party organisation,’ he added.
‘He always had a deep and clear understanding of the issues of the day. His knowledge and articulation won him several friends,’ the Defence Minister said.
‘Jaitleyji will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom and putting it back on the right track,’ he added. ‘The BJP will miss Arunji’s presence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,’ he said.
‘Deeply grieved at the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. A towering political figure who influenced an entire generation. Will miss our discussions, on politics as much as cricket,’ Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said.
Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said he is speechless.
‘I’m speechless, my deepest condolence to Arun Ji. The county will miss your absence. Your speech in Rajya Sabha will always be remembered,’ Mr Gadkari said.
Recently, former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj was also passed away due to cardiac arrest.’It’s very tough for us as our two senior leaders left us. Rest in peace Arun Jaitley ji. Om Shanti,’ he said. The former finance minister was passed away at 1207 hrs at AIIMS. He was 66.
He was hospitalised two weeks back.
(UNI)
