Legal Luminary For Some While Friend For Many; How Top Leaders Mourn Arun Jaitley's Demise

Arun Jaitley, the informally called scholar minister in political circles, passed away at the age of 66 on Saturday afternoon at New Delhi's All Indian Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) after a prolonged illness.

Here are some top reactions and condolence messages shared by political leaders of the country. (File Photo/ Getty)

New Delhi: Arun Jaitley, the informally called scholar minister in political circles, passed away at the age of 66 on Saturday afternoon at New Delhi's All Indian Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) after a prolonged illness.  Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS on August 9, following complaints of breathlessness and restlessness. Jaitley was treated by a team of multi-disciplinary senior doctors and was of life support system from past few days. Jaitley did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election, because of his ill-health. Soon after the news of this sad demise came to light, political leaders from across the country extended condolences and mourned the death of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwart leader. Not just Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressed grief on Jaitley's death, but even his political opponents from different parties including Congress, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and others expressed deep pain and distress at the passing away of Jaitley. Some called Jaitley a nice friend and thanked him for his contributions, while others termed him as BJP's trouble shooter and original Chanakya in Modi's cabinet. Here are some top reactions and condolence messages shared by political leaders of the country:

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

अपने अद्वितीय अनुभव और विरले क्षमता से अरुण जी ने संगठन और सरकार में विभिन्न दायित्वों का निर्वाह किया। एक प्रखर वक्ता और समर्पित कार्यकर्ता अरुण जी ने देश के वित्त मंत्री, रक्षा मंत्री और राज्य सभा में नेता विपक्ष जैसे महत्वपूर्ण पदों को पूरी कुशलता से निभाया।

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) August 24, 2019

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

Extremely sad to hear about passing away of our dear friend,legal brain,sharp mind,astute strategist,seasoned politician,exemplary Parliamentian,exceptional communicator,Sr leader,colleague of years #ArunJaitley will always feel void,could never forget him&contribution Om Shanti

— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 24, 2019

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. pic.twitter.com/7Tk5pf9edw

— Congress (@INCIndia) August 24, 2019

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

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 #PresidentKovind

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 24, 2019

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

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend&DelhiUniv senior @arunjaitley⁩. We first met when he was at DUSU& I was President of StStephen’sCollegeUnion. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect&debated his Budget often in LS. A great loss4India pic.twitter.com/RzxO1V6NTV

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 24, 2019

Deepest condolences on the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji. pic.twitter.com/VvRlbNzw4h

— Dr. Pramod Sawant (@DrPramodPSawant) August 24, 2019

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.

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 24, 2019

In May this year, Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS for treatment. He had undergone a renal transplant on May 14 last year at AIIMS with Railways Minister Piyush Goyal filling in for him in the finance ministry at that time. In September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery to correct the weight he had gained because of a long-standing diabetic condition.