Arun Jaitley, the former finance minister of India, who had been unwell for quite some time now, passed away on Saturday. Arun Jaitley, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader had been ailing for a large part of the last two years. He had reportedly been admitted at AIIMS Delhi following complaints of breathlessness and restlessness, where he took his last breath. To recall, back in 2018, he underwent a kidney transplant surgery, following which, he was put under isolation. Owing to dire health issues, he was unable to present the 2019 Interim Budget.
A lawyer by profession, Arun Jaitely was a dependable colleague to Narendra Modi, especially during BJP’s term back in 2014. He was handed the responsibilities of temporarily handling ministries including defence other than his primary portfolio of finance. 2014 was the same year when he underwent bariatric surgery to curb the excess weight he had gained due to diabetes.
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
Moreover, due to health issues Arun Jaitely in 2014 had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to free him of the responsibilities in the new government as he entirely wanted to focus on his health. Due to the same reason, Jaitley didn’t contest the 2019 election.
Arun Jaitely donned many roles in his career including politician, lawyer, cricket administrator and a raconteur. Mr. Jaitley rose to fame during the emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975. He was the first minister to have been arrested as part of the crackdown against political activists. He also held many important ministries in the Vajpayee government, including law and justice, information and broadcasting, shipping and commerce and industry. He was one of the major faces that guided the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime.
Jaitley’s demise that comes days after the nation lost former Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit and ex-foreign minister Sushma Swaraj has left the country numb. As per the latest information, PM Narendra Modi has spoken to Arun Jaitley’s wife and son and expressed his condolences.
PM Narendra Modi has spoken to Arun Jaitley’s wife and son, and expressed his condolences. Both of them insisted that PM does not cancel his current foreign tour. pic.twitter.com/obQiBh3Cso
— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019
Meanwhile, several ministers, including Amit Shah and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, have cut short their itinerary and are on their way back to the capital after the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
“Political Giant, Towering Intellectual” Tweets PM
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
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!
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2019
