New Delhi: Senior BJP leader and former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley’s death on Saturday was mourned by leaders cutting across political divide.
Condoling his untimely demise, the politicians remembered the late leader as an outstanding lawyer and a parliamentarian whose contribution to the nation’s political discourse was exemplary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a state visit to UAE, rang up Jaitley’s wife to convey his grief. Media reports claimed she requested him to continue with his tour as he is also expected to meet US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit.
The reactions:
Naveen Patnaik-
The Odisha Chief Minister, in his condolence message, said Jaitley will be remembered for his immense contribution to governance. He was a distinguished lawyer, a parliamentarian and an erudite person, he said.
Deeply saddened to hear about passing away of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley ji. He was a distinguished lawyer, parliamentarian and an erudite person. His contribution to governance has been profound. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and followers.
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) August 24, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-
Modi said he has lost a “valued friend” and someone who was admired by people across all sections of the society. The PM said that during the emergency, Jaitley, who was a fiery student union leader then, was at the forefront of protecting democracy.
Sonia Gandhi-
The interim Congress president, in her condolences, said Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure whose contribution to public life will be remembered forever.
Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi shares a condolence message for Shri Arun Jaitley. pic.twitter.com/19sEA2900u
— Congress (@INCIndia) August 24, 2019
Amit Shah-
The Home Minister credited the former finance minister for making India the fastest growing economy in the world.
मोदी सरकार के 2014-19 के कार्यकाल के दौरान देश के वित्त मंत्री के रूप में उन्होंने अपनी अमिट छाप छोड़ी और मोदी जी की गरीब कल्याण की परिकल्पनाओं को जमीन पर उतारा और हिन्दुस्तान को विश्व की सबसे तेज गति से आगे बढ़ने वाली अर्थव्यवस्था के रूप में प्रतिष्ठित किया।
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019
Nirmala Sitharaman-
The Finance Minister remembered Jaitley as her mentor whose intelligence, sagacity and astuteness were unmatchable.
No words can describe the loss of Shri @arunjaitley. A mentor to many of us, a guide and a moral support and strength. Have learnt so much from him. A fine large-hearted person. Always ready to help anyone/everyone. His intelligence, sagacity, astuteness have no match.
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 24, 2019
Rajnath Singh-
The Defence Minister said Jaitley was an “asset” for the government whose knowledge and articulation earned him several friends.
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
Mayawati-
The BSP supremo hailed the departed soul as an outstanding lawyer and a good human being whose contribution to the nation’s polity will never be forgotten.
पूर्व केन्द्रीय वित्त/रक्षा मंत्री व बीजेपी के प्रमुख नेता श्री अरुण जेटली के निधन की खबर अति-दुःखद। वे बीमार थे व उनका हालचाल लेने हाल ही में मैं एम्स गयी थी। वे नामी वकील व अच्छे इंसान थे। देश की राजनीति में उनके योगदान को भुलाया नहीं जा सकेगा। उनके परिवार के प्रति गहरी संवेदना
— Mayawati (@Mayawati) August 24, 2019
Mamata Banerjee-
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sadness over the demise of Arun Jaitley and said he was a politician who was “appreciated across parties”.
“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 tweeted.
