Former Union finance minister Arun Jaitley will be cremated on Sunday at 4 pm at the Nigambodh Ghat. (Express photo: Renuka Puri)
Former finance minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away at Delhi’s AIIMS Saturday after battling multiple health issues for the last several months. Jaitley, 66, was admitted to hospital on August 9 after he complained of palpitations and restlessness. In a brief statement, the hospital said the BJP leader died at 12.07 pm. He is survived by his wife Sangeeta and two children Rohan and Sonali.
Expressing grief over the demise of “a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in UAE, tweeted, “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. We will miss him!” See rare photos from Express archives
The former Union minister will be cremated on Sunday at 4 pm at the Nigambodh Ghat, BJP leader Sudhanshu Mittal said. On Sunday morning at 10 am, his body will be taken to the BJP headquarters from his residence where leaders across the political spectrum are expected to pay their last respects. Read latest news in Malayalam, Tamil, Bangla
Arun Jaitley's initiation into politics took place in 1991 when he became a member of the national executive of the BJP and later became the party's spokesperson in 1999. (Express archive)
"The pain of losing Arun Jaitley is unbearable for the entire country and the BJP workers. Since the 1970s Shri Arun Jaitley has worked in the political field of this country. During the Emergency he was in jail for 19 months as a student leader. "As a brilliant advocate in the Supreme Court he dealt with a lot of public issues through law, raised his voice in many corruption cases. He has had a huge contribution. Even as an MP he had been voice of the people and a crusader against corruption," Shah said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid an emotional tribute to Arun Jaitley, 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," Prime Minister Modi said.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, and Jyotiraditya Scindia paid tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley.
(Express Photos by Praveen Khanna)
President Ram Nath Koving pays tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley at his residence in Delhi's Kailash Colony
Former President of India Pranab Mukherjee condoled the death of former finance minister Arun Jaitley. In a letter addressed to Jaitley's wife, he wrote, "I have lost a personal, much admired younger friend, and the country has lost an outstanding lawyer, an eminent parliamentarian, a powerful orator, and an excellent human being." "May the almighty give you, Sonali and Rohan the strength to bear this huge loss and peace to the departed soul," his letter added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh pays his tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley
Veteran BJP leader LK Advani leaves after paying tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley
Home Minister Amit Shah pays tributes to former finance minister Arun Jaitley at the latter's Delhi residence.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condoles the death of former finance minister Arun Jaitley
Shops in Kuber Bhandari, the adopted village of former finance minister Arun Jaitley, remained closed as the village mourned the death of the leader.
US Ambassador to India Ken Juster mourned the death of former finance minister Arun Jaitley. "He was a great statesman and a strong proponent of the U.S.-India relationship," he tweeted.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia arrived at former finance minister Arun Jaitley's residence in Delhi's Kailash Colony.
(Express Photos by Praveen Khanna)
"Arun Jaitley was always more than just a finance minister. At different times, in different BJP governments, he’s been a defence minister, a law minister, a corporate affairs minister, and at all times, even if informally on occasion – thanks to a great relationship with most in the media – he’s been the information minister, prime minister Narendra Modi’s chief trouble-shooter," writes Sunil Jain. Read more
Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley left a lasting imprint on the economy as structural reforms taken under his watch will continue to have wide-ranging impact in the years to come. Starting from the year 1998, when he first became a minister, Jaitley has consistently been the government’s go-to man during any crisis and the public face of the administration. Read more
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at former finance minister Arun Jaitley's residence in Delhi's Kailash Colony
Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's last rites will be performed at the Nigambodh Ghat Sunday at 4 pm. Jaitley, 66, passed away on Saturday after being admitted to AIIMS since August 9, after he complained of palpitations and restlessness.
Watch: Home Minister Amit Shah reaches Arun Jaitley's residence.
Home Minister Amit Shah reaches former finance minister Arun Jaitley's residence.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi condoled the death of former finance minister Arun Jaitley and said that he had a long innings as a public figure, parliamentarian, and minister. "Congress President Smt. Gandhi has expressed deep pain and distress at the untimely passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley. Condoling his death she said that Shri Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, Parliamentarian and Minister and his contributions to public life will forever be remembered," read the full statement that appeared on Congress Twitter handle. Read more
Watch: Mortal remains of former finance minister Arun Jaitley reach his residence in Delhi's Kailash Colony
Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's mortal remains being brought to his Kailash colony residence.
(Express photos by Aaron Pereira)
BJP working president JP Nadda said former finance minister Arun Jaitley will be cremated tomorrow. His body will be kept at his Kailash Colony residence till 10 am on Sunday, from where it will be taken to the party headquarters and will be kept there so that leaders can pay homage. "The time is not confirmed till now, but his body will be cremated tomorrow," Nadda said. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the family of Jaitley ji on a phone call and expressed his grief in this hard time," he added.
Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's mortal remains being taken to his residence from AIIMS.
Mourning the loss of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath said that the country had lost a nationalist and progressive leader today. "The country has lost a nationalist and progressive politician in Arun Jaitley. He was a legal luminary and a politician who used to put across his views on national issue frankly. I pray to God that his soul rests in peace and to give strength to his family members and citizens to cope with the loss," the chief minister said in a statement. (PTI)
BJP owes Arun Jaitley for being what it is today, senior advocate and Congress leader Kapil Sibal told PTI.
Chief Justice of India 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."
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh offered his condolences to Arun Jaitley's family in a letter addressed to the BJP leader's wife. "Shri Jaitley was an eminent lawyer, an excellent orator, a very good administrator and an outstanding Parliamentarian. In his death, our country has lost a great leader who always worked for the betterment of society. I take this opportunity to convey to you and other members of our family my heartfelt condolences on this bereavement. We pray to the Almighty to give all of you the strength to bear this great loss with courage and fortitude," he wrote.
Funeral arrangements underway outside Jaitley's residence in Delhi. (Express photo/Aaron Pereira)
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also arrives at AIIMS hospital on Saturday. (Express photo/Astha Saxena)
The crowd outside AIIMS hospital in New Delhi. (Express photo/Tashi Tobgyal)
"Devastated to learn about the passing away of Arun Jaitley ji. Truly cherish the many years of friendship shared with a humble leader who was also a great statesman. My deepest condolences to his family," TDP leader N Chandrababu tweeted.
Arun Jaitley will be cremated on Sunday afternoon at the Nigambodh Ghat, BJP leader Sudhanshu Mittal said, PTI reported. Jaitley's body will be taken to his Kailash Colony residence after formalities are completed at the AIIMS. On Sunday morning, his body will be taken to the BJP headquarters where leaders across the political spectrum are expected to pay their last respects. From BJP headquarters, it will be taken to the Nigambodh Ghat for the last rites.
Traffic around AIIMS hospital in Delhi following the demise of former Union minister Arun Jaitley. (Express photo/Praveen Khanna)
Arun Jaitley during Raksha Bandhan last year. (Facebook: Arun Jaitley)
Ar"Deeply pained to hear about the sad demise of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley Ji. His passing away is a great loss to our country. An eloquent orator, a visionary leader, he had contributed immensely towards building New India. My deepest condolence to his family and loved ones!" Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu tweeted.
"Deeply saddened at the untimely passing away of Arun Jaitley. Visited him just day before and prayed for his speedy recovery. He was a leader with deep intellect and knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. My prayers with his family, friends and admirers," former President Pranab Mukherjee said.
Arun Jaitley with his family during Diwali celebrations at his residence last year. (Facebook/Arun Jaitley)
Sources in the PMO told The Indian Express that there is no change in the Prime Minister's itinerary. When PM Modi spoke to Jaitley's wife and son to express his condolences, they insisted he does not cancel his current foreign tour, sources added.
"Congress President Smt. Gandhi has expressed deep pain and distress at the untimely passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley. Condoling his death she said that Shri Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, Parliamentarian and Minister and his contributions to public life will forever be remembered," Congress posted the condolence message on Twitter.
"Saddened by Jaitley ji's demise; BJP family has lost one of its integral members today. I pray to the almighty to give peace to the departed soul and give strength to his family at this time of grief," Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das tweeted. Das has postponed all his programmes scheduled for today and tomorrow, ANI reported.
"Arun Jaitley's death is an irreparable loss for the country and personally to me also. I have no words to express my grief. He was a powerful intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity," Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu told reporters.
In 2012, Jaitley, who was the then Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, was the guest at Express Adda in Mumbai. Listen to him speak at the 'Express Adda' interaction organised by the Indian Express Group. To read more, click here.
An ambulance with all the arrangements at Arun Jaitley's residence in the national capital. (Express photo/Aaron Pereira)
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal tweeted, "Extremely saddened to learn of the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley ji. An inspiration and guide, we have lost a towering leader, whose contribution towards shaping the growth story of New India is unparalleled. My deepest condolences in this hour of grief."
French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler also offered his condolences to Jaitley's family. "On behalf of France, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Arun Jaitley ji. France stands with India and its people in this time of deep grief," he said.
President Ram Nath Kovind said, "Extremely saddened by the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley after battling a long illness with fortitude and dignity. A brilliant lawyer, a seasoned parliamentarian, and a distinguished Minister, he contributed immensely to nation-building. 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."
Security beefed up outside Arun Jaitley's house. (Express photo/Aaron Pereira)
"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.
"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," Modi posted on the micro-blogging site.
"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," the Prime Minister tweeted.
"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," PM Modi tweeted.
"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," Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who was to leave from Chennai for Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, has cut short his visit to return to the national capital, ANI reported.
"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," Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik tweeted.
Born in 1952 to Ratan Prabha and Maharaj Kishen Jaitley, the senior leader made the political plunge during the Emergency years after being active in Delhi’s student politics. He graduated in commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) in 1973 and got his degree in Law four years later. During his university years, Jaitley was a member of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the BJP, and became the president of the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) in 1974. Click here to read more.
Jaitley, during his stint in the Finance Ministry, was instrumental in implementing the Goods and Service Tax (GST) reform aimed at streamlining India’s indirect tax structure. It was also during his tenure when the controversial decision of demonetisation was taken. Following the completion of his tenure, Jaitley in an interview to The Indian Express had said, “I see these five years as transformational and a turning point in India’s history on more than one count. I think this government will be remembered for establishing a precedent that India is capable of running a 100 per cent honest government.”
The Congress said it was deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of the former Union minister. "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 party said on its Twitter handle.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh also expressed grief over Jaitley's demise. "Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley ji, BJP's trouble-shooter-in-chief. May his soul rest in peace at the Heavenly abode and I share the grief of the bereaved family," he tweeted.
"Deeply pained by the demise of Arun Jaitley ji. It is like a personal loss for me. I have not only lost a senior party leader but also an important family member who will forever be a guiding light for me," Amit Shah tweeted.
Born in Delhi in December 1952, Jaitley completed his schooling from St. Xaviers, Delhi and went on to pursue further education in Sri Ram College of Commerce, before completing his law degree from Delhi University. Check out some of the photos of the former Union finance minister from Express archives here.