BJP stalwart and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley died on Saturday . He was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on August 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors.
Hospital sources had earlier said he was on life support.
Modi pays tribute to Jaitley in Bahrain
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid an emotional tribute to Arun Jaitley in Bahrain, saying he cannot imagine that he was far away from India in Bahrain while his dear friend and party colleague passed away in New Delhi.
“I cannot imagine that I am here in Bahrain while my dear friend Arun Jaitley is no more,” Mr. Modi said.
Mr. Modi described Mr. Jaitley as a “valued friend” whose insights and nuanced understanding of matters had “very few parallels” as he condoled the death of the senior BJP leader who was one of his close confidants for decades.
Mr. Modi said the former Finance Minister was full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma.
Addressing a gathering of 15,000 members from the Indian community at the Bahrain National Stadium, Mr. Modi said he was bound by his duty on one side and on the other side his heart was full of emotions.
“At a time at a time when people are celebrating Janmashtami, I am mourning the death of my friend Arun,” Mr. Modi said, amid silence in the audience who accorded him a warm welcome.
“Some days ago, we lost our former External Affairs Minister Behen Sushma Ji. Today my dear friend Arun went away,” Mr. Modi said.
The Prime Minister spoke to the wife and son of Mr. Jaitley and expressed his condolences. Both of them insisted that he does not cancel his foreign tour.
Swraj Paul mourns Jaitley’s demise
British-based business magnate and philanthropist Swraj Paul mourned the death of Arun Jaitley, calling him a “great human being and a principled barrister.”
“Shocked and sad to learn about the death of Arun Jaitley. He was a great human being, a very principled barrister and a very principled politician. From family point of view he was a marvellous husband, marvellous father and a great friend. I always treated him like a son,” said Paul, 88, the chairman of Caparo Group of Industries.
“We have lost a great human being. We pray for his soul and our heart felt condolences to the family,” Mr. Paul said.
President, Vice-President condole Jaitley's demise
President Ram Nath Kovind condoled the death and said he was extremely saddened.
“A brilliant lawyer, a seasoned parliamentarian, and a distinguished Minister, he contributed immensely to nation building,” he said.
“Shri Arun Jaitley possessed a unique ability of discharging the most onerous responsibility with poise, passion and studied understanding. His passing leaves a huge void in our public life and our intellectual ecosystem. Condolences to his family and associates,” Mr. Kovind said.
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said he was deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Jaitley, whom he described as “a long time dear friend and one of my closest associates“.
“His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me. I have no words to express my grief,” he said.
Political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary: Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the demise of long-time BJP leader and former Union Minister Arun Jaitley, referring to him as a "political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary" with a "great sense of humour and charisma."
Arun Jaitley with Narendra Modi
"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," Mr. Modi said.
Personally, deeply saddened by Jaitley’s demise: CJI Ranjan Gogoi
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi said with the demise of Arun Jaitley, the country has lost “an eminent senior advocate” and “a tall leader”.
“I am personally, deeply saddened by the passing of Arun Jaitley,” the CJI told PTI .
Justice Gogoi said on behalf of the country’s judiciary, “I express my condolences to his family and pray for the noble soul to rest in peace.” - PTI
A personal loss for me, says Amit Shah
In Arun Jaitley's death, I have lost a family member, said Home Minister Amit Shah . "Jaitley's departure is a personal loss for me," he wrote on Twitter.
"I am deeply saddened by the death of Arun Jaitley, Jaitley's departure is a personal loss for me," wrote Mr. Shah. "As him, I have lost not only a senior leader of the organization but also an integral member of the family whose support and guidance I have been receiving for years," he said.
’An astute parliamentarian’: Congress in tribute to Arun Jaitley
Top Congress leaders condoled the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, with the party saying it was deeply saddened to hear about his demise.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley. Our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief,” the Congress said.
The party’s chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “Saddened to know about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. My deepest condolences to his family. An astute parliamentarian, he’ll always be remembered. May his soul Rest in Peace.”
Congress president Sonia Gandhi expressed deep pain and distress at the untimely passing away of Mr. Jaitley. Condoling his death, she said that Mr. Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, Parliamentarian and Minister, and his contributions to public life will forever be remembered.
Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, “Extremely saddened to learn about the demise of Arun ji. In him the nation has a lost an articulate leader and an excellent human being.”
Noted lawyer and former Union Minister Kapil Sibal said he has lost an old friend and a dear colleague in Jaitley.
“Very sorry to learn that Arun Jaitley is no more . An old friend and a dear colleague will be remembered for his seminal contributions to the polity and as FM of India . As Leader of Opposition, he was without match . He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for his party,” he said.
Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge expressed deep sadness at the untimely demise of Mr. Jaitley.
"A thorough gentleman & articulate lawyer, he will be missed. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength in these trying times," he said.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, “Deeply saddened to know of untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJP leader, Sh Arun Jaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace.”
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said Jaitley’s death is a great loss for the country.
“Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend Delhi Univ senior Arun Jaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU and I was President of St Stephen’s College Union. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect and debated his Budget often in LS. A great loss for India,” he tweeted.
Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also condoled the death, saying he is saddened and pained. - PTI
Jaitley’s ‘sound legal advise’ was trusted across political divide: Solicitor General
With the passing away of Arun Jaitley, the country has lost a brilliant parliamentarian, an intelligent statesman and a legal luminary whose advise was trusted by all in public life across the political divide, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
“It is a great loss for the nation, the Indian polity and the legal fraternity,” Mr. Mehta told PTI , condoling the former Union Minister’s demise.
The Solicitor General said Jaitley always left a lasting imprint on anyone he came in touch with and as a senior advocate, guided his political and professional colleagues with mature legal advice and “stood by them during the most adverse circumstances”.
“He will be remembered as a sane voice, a dependable friend, an intelligent statesman and a legal luminary whose sound legal advise was trusted by all persons in public life across the political divide,” Mr. Mehta added.
Mr. Mehta described Jaitley as “a human being with a golden heart, a statesman without malice against anyone, a senior advocate par excellence and an orator with the rare gift of articulation”. — PTI
BJP owes Arun Jaitley for being what it is today: Kapil Sibal
Congress leader Kapil Sibal said Arun Jaitley was faithful to his ideology till his last breath and the BJP owes him for being what it is today.
Condoling the demise of the former Finance Minister, Mr. Sibal said, “We have lost someone whom the nation needed for many years.”
Mr. Sibal said Jaitley was a man of exceptional qualities and abilities and was wedded to an ideology since his university days and was “faithful to that ideology till his last breath”.
Jaitley was a man who breathed politics, understood politics and was committed to the country, Mr. Sibal said.
The senior Congress leader further said Jaitey was “an outstanding parliamentarian as leader of the opposition and none could match him”.
The BJP owes Jaitley for being what it is today, Mr. Sibal told PTI .
Jaitley helped the leadership of the party behind closed doors because of his connections with people.
“He was a man who understood the politics of the moment,” he said. — PTI
’A part of me is gone’: Cricketers mourn Jaitley’s death
Cricket administration was among the many hats Arun Jaitley wore in public life and in his death, the cricketers remembered the man who seamlessly juggled roles and stood for them in testing times.
While politicians cutting across party lines were quick to mourn the death of the former Union Minister, the cricketers also took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Former India opener and BJP member of Parliament, Gautam Gambhir, who was close to Jaitley, said a part of him was gone with his demise.
“A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir,” Mr. Gambhir tweeted.
As he helmed the Delhi Districts and Cricket Association (DDCA), talented players from in and around the national capital emerged and flourished in the biggest stage.
Virender Sehwag, Virat Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant Sharma, besides Mr. Gambhir, are some of the names that shone in international cricket with him at the top.
He was a cricket fan first and someone that every big name in BCCI would consult before zeroing in on any policy decision with regards to Indian cricket.
Expressing their grief were Virender Sehwag and Aakash Chopra in a series of tweets.
“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,” Mr. Sehwag said on twitter.
The big-hitting former opener was not done there.
"... But under his leadership at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a problem solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti."
Chopra said, “Deeply saddened to hear that Mr. Arun Jaitley is no more. A scholar...a cricket lover. Always helpful. Would remember the names of the kids doing well at U-19 level too. World will be poorer in your absence, sir. riparunjaitley.”
The DDCA also expressed its condolence on its official Twitter page.
“DDCA condoles the death of its former president Mr Arun Jaitley. DDCA and its members mourn his untimely death and feel the loss of his experience and wisdom. We pray to the Almighty for his soul to Rest In Peace.”
BCCI acting president C.K. Khanna termed it a personal loss.
“Our association goes back to our college days in Shri Ram College Of Commerce where we worked together, he as the President, and me as the General Secretary of the College Union. I also had the privilege of inviting and closely working him in the Cricket Administration in DDCA and BCCI. His contribution in the field of cricket shall be remembered forever,” Mr. Khanna said.
Cricket Association of Bengal joint secretary Avishek Dalmiya, whose father late Jagmohan Dalmiya worked closely with Jaitley during former’s stint as BCCI president also sent his condolences.
“Shri Arun Jaitley ji was one of the few persons who has genuinely loved Indian cricket and someone who always came forward to protect the BCCI when chips were down,” Mr. Dalmiya said.
“Being an eminent lawyer, he would take the centerstage in such adverse situations and guide the Board on the way forward. In fact, he would certainly have been the obvious and unanimous choice for the BCCI Presidentship on a number of occasions had he given his consent to occupy the chair,” Mr. Dalmiya said. - PTI
U.S., French Ambassadors offer condolences
U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster took to Twitter to express condolences on Mr. Jaitley's demise.
"It is with much sadness that we have learned of the passing of Arun Jaitley. He was a great statesman and a strong proponent of the U.S.-India relationship. May he rest in peace," he wrote.
Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler too expressed heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of Arun Jaitley.
"On behalf of France, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. As the nation mourns its former FM & one of Rajya Sabha's most prominent voices, France stands with India & its people in this time of deep grief," he wrote.
U.S. Embassy remembers Jaitley for recognising importance of U.S.-India ties
The U.S. Embassy released a statement to offer condolences for Mr. Jaitley's demise:
The United States Mission in India grieves with the people of India on the loss of former Minister Arun Jaitley. He will be remembered for his long and distinguished service to India. Especially notable were his introduction of the Goods and Services Tax, efforts to improve the ease of doing business, and measures to combat corruption. Minister Jaitley recognized the importance of the U.S.-India relationship and worked to improve the economic ties between our countries. The U.S. Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to former Minister Jaitley’s family and many friends, as well as to all the citizens of India.
Devastating loss for India: Spicejet chairman
In a statement, Spicejet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh said that knowing Arun Jaitley was "one of the greatest privileges" of his life.
"This is a devastating loss for India and for me, personally," he said. "Arunji was the best friend, philosopher and guide that we had. Knowing him was one of the greatest privileges of my life. His service to our country that he loved so well will never be forgotten," Mr. Singh added.
Chairman of Mahindra Group, Anand Mahindra , said that Jaitley was a man who committed his life to India.
“I salute, and pray for the soul of a man who lived by his convictions and committed his life to his country...” he wrote on Twitter.
State Bank of India Chairman Rajnish Kumar said SBI deeply mourns the passing of Arun Jaitley.
"We at State Bank of India deeply mourn the demise of Former Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley. Mr Jaitley will be remembered for the many landmark reforms like GST and IBC that he ushered in his era as FM. With his passing away, the country and the financial sector has lost a true friend and a guide. May his soul rest in eternal peace!" he said.
Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora referred to Jaitley as a quintessential gentleman.
"Arun Jaitley ji was a quintessential gentleman," said Mr. Arora. "He was Minister I&B where I did my last eight months of service as Secretary. The sheer range of his thoughts and vision was amazing. This coupled with his formidable legal acumen and brilliant oratory made him one of the most outstanding Parliamentarians of all time."
"The last three to four months especially even when life was ebbing out of him, he kept on enriching the national discourse through his blogs etc. May his soul rest in peace," the CEC added.
Naveen Patnaik expresses grief over death of Arun Jaitley
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik expressed his condolence over the demise of former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
He described Jaitley as an “erudite person."
“Deeply saddened to hear about passing away of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley ji. He was a distinguished lawyer, parliamentarian and an erudite person,” Patnaik said in his Twitter handle.
“His contribution to governance has been profound, heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family, friends and followers,” Patnaik said.
Odisha’s ruling Biju Janata Dal also condoled over the demise of Jaitley.
Odisha Assembly Speaker S.N. Patro also expressed sadness over his death.
“Deeply pained on the demise of Arun Jaitley ji. He was a good politician and also a good human being. My deepest condolence as the nation lost one of the brightest leader today,” Patro said.
Jaitley appreciated across parties: Mamata
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed sadness over the demise of former Union finance minister 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,” Ms. Banerjee said in a statement.
Jaitley, a cultured gentleman: TN CM
Praising Arun Jaitley as a cultured gentleman who had cordial ties with all cutting across party lines, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami said he was grieved to learn of his death, which was a huge loss for the country.
“Arun Jaitley’s passing away is a huge loss not only for his family but also for his party and the entire Indian nation,” he said expressing shock and grief in his condolence.
Praying for the departed soul to rest in peace, the Chief Minister said Jaitley won accolades since his student days and he had been a students’ leader in Delhi University.
A key leader of the BJP, he had held various portfolios including that of Finance and had also been the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, he recalled.
A cultured gentleman, Jaitley had cordial relationship also with people who belonged to other political parties that had divergent ideologies, he said. - PTI
Jaitley served the nation, sangathan with dedication: Smriti Irani
Union Women and Child Development and Textiles Minister, Smriti Irani on Saturday condoled the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, calling him a stalwart who served the nation and his ‘sangathan’ (organisation) with “dedication and zeal“.
“A stalwart who paid tribute to his simple beginnings by helping those with meagre means. Orator par excellence, legal luminary @arunjaitley ji served the Nation and sangathan with dedication and zeal. My tributes to him. Condolences to loved ones. Om Shanti,” tweeted Ms. Irani.
Jaitley's untimely demise a huge loss to the nation, Arvind Kejriwal
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal referred to Arun Jaitley's death as a huge loss to the nation. "His governance skills will be missed by the country," said Mr. Kejriwal.
Taking to Twitter, Mr. Kejriwal wrote: "Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Sh Arun Jaitley ji is a huge loss to the nation. A legal luminary and an experienced political leader known for his governance skills will be missed by the country. Thoughts and prayers with his family in this moment of grief. RIP."
Will miss our discussions on politics and cricket: MEA S. Jaishankar
Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar recollected the discussions on cricket and politics with Mr. Jaitley as he condoled his passing.
"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," Mr. Jaishankar wrote in a tweet.
Telangana CM expresses shock over Jaitley's demise
Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao expressed shock over the demise of Arun Jaitley.
Mr. Rao recollected services rendered by Mr. Jaitley to the nation and prayed that the former Union Minister’s soul may rest in peace. He conveyed his condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
Jaitley’s ‘sound legal advise’ was trusted across political divide: Solicitor General
With the passing away of Arun Jaitley, the country has lost a brilliant parliamentarian, an intelligent statesman and a legal luminary whose advise was trusted by all in public life across the political divide, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said.
“It is a great loss for the nation, the Indian polity and the legal fraternity,” Mehta told PTI , condoling the former Union Minister’s demise.
The Solicitor General said Jaitley always left a lasting imprint on anyone he came in touch with and as a senior advocate, guided his political and professional colleagues with mature legal advice and “stood by them during the most adverse circumstances“.
“He will be remembered as a sane voice, a dependable friend, an intelligent statesman and a legal luminary whose sound legal advise was trusted by all persons in public life across the political divide,” Mr. Mehta added.
Mehta described Jaitley as “a human being with a golden heart, a statesman without malice against anyone, a senior advocate par excellence and an orator with the rare gift of articulation”. - PTI
Indian industry deeply shocked: CII
President of Confederation of Indian Industry Vikram Kirloskar said that the Indian industry is deeply shocked and saddened at Mr. Jaitley's demise. He said that Mr. Jaitley is counted among the outstanding leaders in the country’s history.
"A true reformer and keen advocate for economic liberalisation, he leaves behind an impressive policy imprint that will continue to bring notable gains to the Indian economy for all times to come,” said Mr Vikram Kirloskar, President, Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in a statement," he said in a statement.
Read full statement here:
“Indian industry is deeply shocked and saddened by the untimely passing of Mr. Arun Jaitley, who is counted among the outstanding leaders in the country’s history. A true reformer and keen advocate for economic liberalisation, he leaves behind an impressive policy imprint that will continue to bring notable gains to the Indian economy for all times to come,” said Vikram Kirloskar in a statement.
A huge setback for the nation, Mr. Jaitley’s demise comes as a shock to industry. During his various terms as minister over the years, Mr. Jaitley was always a close and warm friend of Indian industry, passionately committed to improving the regulatory climate for doing business. As Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs during 2014-2019, he personally laid the foundation for landmark reforms and greatly strengthened macroeconomic fundamentals.
Under his visionary leadership, India’s fiscal deficit was reined in and inflation was addressed proactively with significant positives for the economy. These structural measures helped in opening up the space for private sector investments and boost GDP growth.
The introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) under his leadership of the empowered committee represented a historic transformation of India’s indirect tax system. GST has stabilized and streamlined tax payments and is an outstanding success within two years. Equally, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, financial sector policies, and amendments to the regulatory systems added immensely to the economic framework.
Always attuned to industry concerns, Mr. Jaitley gave a patient hearing to businesses with a solution oriented approach. He particularly reassured overseas investors and was a brand ambassador for the strong India development story.
CII was privileged to have greatly benefited from his guidance and constructive advice for decades. As Minister of Commerce and Industry and Law and Justice, he associated closely with CII for positioning India as an attractive investment destination. During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mr. Jaitley participated in the CII Annual Meeting each year, and shared his cogent and strategic views on the state of the Indian economy. As Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, he was ever ready to interact on the CII platform and addressed us on numerous occasions, providing guidance on the future strategies of the Government.
CII will deeply miss his tall leadership to the country as a political and economic beacon. As a strategic and visionary thinker, a person of immense capacity for hard work, and above all, a warm and ebullient human being, Mr. Jaitley will always be remembered as an exceptional leader of the nation. CII offers its heartfelt condolences to his family on this sad occasion.
