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(28 December, 1952 – 24 August, 2019)
Former finance minister and senior BJP leader Shri Arun Jaitley is no more. At the age of 66, he passed away on 24 August, 2019 after prolong illness. A lawyer by profession, Shri Arun Jaitley started his political career as an activist of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad. He became the President of the Students’ Union of Delhi University in 1974. During the emergency proclaimed by Indira Gandhi, he was under preventive detention for a period of 19 months. He was credited to become a prominent leader of the movement launched by Jayaprakash Narayan against corruption. Jayaprakash Narayan appointed him the convener of the National Committee for Students and Youth organization.
Shri Arun Jaitley served in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet as a minister. He also served as the leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha. As finance minister in Modi Government he brought major economic reforms by implementing GST.
Shri Arun Jaitley is survived by his wife and two children.
Industrialists, media personalities, sportspersons, commonman and leaders across the political parties condoled the demise.
I have lost a valued friend : Narendra Modi
Condoling the demise of the leader, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said in a series of tweets “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.
He further said “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.”
He added “During his long political career, Shri 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.”
“BJP and Shri 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.”
Shri Modi said, 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!
Its a personal loss for me : Amit Shah
The BJP National President and Union Minister for Home Affairs, Shri Amit Shah expressed profound sorrow at the passing away of Former Cabinet Minister Shri Arun Jaitley. He said, “I am deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. His passing away is a personal loss for me. 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. Today his departure has brought a void in the country’s politics and the Bharatiya Janata Party, which is not possible to be replenished soon”.
The Home Minister further said, “With his unique experience and rare ability, Arun ji served various responsibilities in the party and the government. A brilliant orator and dedicated activist, he held important positions like the country’s Finance Minister, Defence Minister and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha”.
“Arunji has left an indelible mark as the Finance Minister of the country during the NDA Government’s 2014-19 tenure by implementing Prime Minister’s vision for welfare of the poor on ground and placing India as the world’s fastest growing economy. He was a people-oriented person and always thought for the welfare of the common man. His every decision reflects this quality – be it the matter of taking action on black money or of realizing the dream of ‘GST – One Nation, One Tax’ or be it demonetization. The country will always remember him for his very simple and sensitive personality”, Shri Amit Shah said.
Irreparable loss for the Politics of the Country : JP Nadda
The BJP National Working President Shri J.P Nadda said the demise was extremely unbearable for him. He added “The heart is deeply mourned by the sudden demise of former Finance and Defense Minister, our senior leader and multidimensional personality Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. He was an outstanding politician, renowned advocate, committed activist, amazing orator and a great administrator. His death is an irreparable loss not only to the BJP but also to the politics of the country. He devoted his entire life to the country, society and to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
“Shri Arun Jaitley ji continued to serve the nation till the last time along with performing various responsibilities in his political and social life. The void that has come in Indian politics with his departure can never be fulfilled. The echoes of his effective speeches inside Parliament and his smiling face even in the most difficult times will always be with us. His idea and opinion will always guide us.”
“As the Finance Minister during the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Center under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, Shri Jaitley Ji has not only established the country as the world’s fastest growing economy, but also played a leading role in realizing the dream of ‘GST – One Nation, One Tax’. He also held many important portfolios during the Vajpayee government. As an energetic speaker and dedicated party worker, he was always devoted to the development of the country. We will all continue to take inspiration from Shri Jaitley Ji. His departure is also a big loss for the parliament.”
Shri Nadda said “It was during his tenure as India’s Finance Minister that the NDA government carried out the historic demonetisation with a view to curbing corruption, black money, fake currency and terrorism. It is the result of his efficient management that all decisions in GST Council till date were taken by consensus. During his tenure, shell companies were curbed, action started on black-money, benami property laws passed and record tax collected without raising taxes. Many unmatched achievements like Jan-Dhan accounts, Ease of doing business rankings, record success of Mudra Yojana for Self-Employment and keeping India’s economy as one of the fastest growing economies in the world came during his tenure.”
He added, “During the Emergency, Shri Jaitley steadfastly fought the oppressive forces and also went to jail to protect the democratic values of the country. He has been an MP from Rajya Sabha continuously since 2000. From 2009 to 2014 he was the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. He was also the convenor of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad.”
“Shri Arun Jaitley has always given a new impetus to the country as an intelligent and energetic speaker, effective parliamentarian and skilled administrator. The country will always remember his contribution and remain indebted to him. I got his guidance on every subject in the last several years. Every member of the BJP family is shocked by the sudden demise of our senior leader Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. May his soul rest in peace and give strength to the mournful family to bear the grief.”
“I am deeply saddened to condole the passing away of yet another close colleague Arun Jaitley ji. Besides being a big luminary in the legal arena, Arunji was an outstanding parliamentarian and a great administrator. A dedicated party worker for decades, he was someone who was inducted into the BJP core team when I was Party President and he soon rose to become one of the most prominent leaders of the party”.
– LK Advani, Former Deputy PM
“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”.
– Ram Nath Kovind, President
“His 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.”
– M Venkaiah Naidu, Vice-President
Deeply saddened at the untimely passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley. Visited him just daybefore & prayed for his speedy recovery. He was a leader with deep intellect & knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. My prayers with his family, friends & admirers.
– Pranab Mukherjee, Former President
Politicians across party & eminent people pay last respects
Leaders from across the political spectrum reached Shri Arun Jaitley’s residence on 24 September, 2019 to pay their last respects to the BJP stalwart. From BJP National President & Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, BJP Working President Shri JP Nadda to senior leader Shri Lal krishna Advani, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers Shri Prakash Javadekar, Shri Piyush Goyal, Dr. Harsh Vardhan , Shri Anurag Thakur, Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi to Rahul Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leaders NN Vohra, Praful Patel, RLD chief Ajit Singh, Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla, several BJP leaders also paid their last respect and met the Jaitley family at his residence to console the bereaved family.
Mortal remains at BJP headquarters to pay last respects
Next day the body was taken to the BJP office in a gun carriage that is usually used for Prime Ministers, Presidents and Defence Ministers. Neighbours, friends, associates and thousands of Karyakartas who knew Shri Jaitley for several decades have walked with the gun carriage that is carrying the mortal remains of the veteran BJP leader. The mortal remains was kept at the BJP headquarters till 2 pm for leaders and party Karyakartas to pay their last respects.
The BJP flag at the party headquarters was also flying at half mast to mourn the death of Shri Arun Jaitley.
Last Journey
Before taking the body for cremation his family members pay their last respects to Shri Arun Jaitley at the BJP Headquarters in the presence of Shri Amit Shah, Shri JP Nadda and host of other senior leaders. Thousands of party workers have gathered at the party office to pay their respects. Then Shri Jaitley’s body was taken to the Nigambodh Ghat in the afternoon for cremation. BJP Karyakartas, supporters and followers chant of “Arun Jaitley amar rahe” as they walked with the gun carriage carrying Shri Jaitley’s body through the streets of Delhi.
Cremation at the Nigambodh Ghat with full state honors
Shri Amit Shah, Shri JP Nadda, Shri LK Advani,Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Ministers Shri Prakash Javdekar, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Smt. Smriti Irani, CM Shri BS Yediyurappa, former Delhi Lt Gov Najeeb Jung, Shri Gautam Gambhir, opposition leaders Sharad Pawar, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia among the many who present at the Nigambodh Ghat.
Rohan Jaitley carries the body of his father Shri Arun Jaitley inside the cremation ground at Nigambodh Ghat for the final rites. In the presence of leaders from across the political spectrum and scores of his admirers and party Karyakartas Rohan performed the last rites. Shri Arun Jaitley was cremated at the Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi with full state honors for the leader.
Gujarat village adopted by Arun Jaitley mourns death with downed shutters
People of a group of villages in Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara district in Gujarat mourned the demise of BJP leader Shri Arun Jaitley by downing shutters of shops and holding condolence meetings. Shri Jaitley, a three time Rajya Sabha MP from Gujarat, had adopted Karnali, Pipaliya, Vadia and Baglipura, all part of Karnali group panchayat, in December 2014 under the Centre’s Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana.
Condolence Messages
Condolence Message from Colleagues
“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.
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, Prime Minister
“Arun Jaitley’s demise is an unbearable loss to the workers of BJP. As a student leader, he was jailed for 19 months during the emergency. As a Member of Parliament, he always raised the voice of the people and acted as a crusader against corruption.
– Amit Shah, Union Home Minister &
BJP National President
The senior leader’s smiling face as he dealt with tough situations and fiery speeches in Parliament will always remain with the partymen.
“His beliefs will always be our guide. The demise of Arun Jaitley has created a vacuum in Indian politics which can never be filled. With the responsibilities of both the party and the government, Arunji has always been dedicated to the service of the nation. Be it strengthening the Indian economy or its defence, his role in placing India in the front row in the world is incomparable”.
– JP Nadda, BJP Working President
The nation will never forget his contribution, he was an asset to the party, the government when he was part of it, and the country. He is not with us anymore, I pay tribute to him.
– Rajnath Singh, Union Minister of Defence
“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.”
– S Jaishankar, Union Minister
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, Union Minister
“Deeply condole the death of our senior leader Arun Jaitely Ji, who was like an elder brother to me. Have worked with him since my student days for more than 45 years. His intellect, leadership and eloquence was truly extraordinary. We all will really miss him. My deep condolences.”
– Ravi Shankar Prasad, Union Minister
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.
– Smriti Z Irani, Union Minister
Distraught by the demise of my friend, philosopher and teacher Shri Arun Jaitley ji. Articulate, suave and a master strategist, Jaitley Sahab served mother India in many roles in his illustrious political career. He was one of the finest Finance Minister that India ever had. A man best known for reforms, he was the fulcrum behind several economic and financial reforms which led India to the path of economic stability. A go-to man, Jaitley ji brought rare skills to the political table, including the art of building political consensus and reconciliation.
– Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister
Deeply saddened & heartbroken on the demise of my old friend, senior party leader, distinguished lawyer & political stalwart Sh Arun Jaitley Ji. A huge personal loss. Heartfelt condolences to his wife Sangeeta Ji & children Sonali & Rohan. Om Shanti.
– Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister
“Demise of Arun Jaitley is a huge loss to BJP and as well as the entire nation. He was a sensitive man…He handled all the ministries with great efficiency. This nation has lost an honourable man. I pray to god that may his soul rest in peace. May god give strength to his family to bear this loss”.
– Yogi Adityanath, UP CM
“I am saddened to hear demise of Sri @arunjaitley, the senior leader and former Union minister who worked hard to make a significant change in the economic reform of the country as the Finance Minister. It is an insurmountable loss to the country. May his soul rest in peace”.
– B.S. Yediyurappa, Karnataka CM
Extremely saddened to learn of the demise of former Finance Minister #ArunJaitley ji. An inspiration & 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.
– Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam CM
“Deepest condolences on the passing away of Shri Arun Jaitley ji.”
– Pramod Sawant, Goa CM
Opposition leaders condole the death
“In his death our country has lost a great leader who always worked for the betterment of society.”
– Sonia Gandhi, Congress’s Interim President
Condoling Arun Jaitley’s death, Sonia Gandhi said Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, parliamentarian and minister. His contributions to public life will forever be remembered.
– Dr. Manmohan Singh, Former PM
It is shocking to learn about the sad demise of one of the tallest leaders of our country @arunjaitley, the former Union Minister who had held the portfolios of Finance, Defence, Corporate Affairs,Commerce and Industry and Law and Justice. A great loss to our Nation.#ArunJaitley
– H D Devegowda, Former PM
I am sorry to hear about Mr Arun Jaitley’s passing. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
– Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress President
“Deeply saddened to know of untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJP leader, Sh #ArunJaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace”.
– Ashok Gehlot, Rajasthan CM
“Condole the passing away of former Finance Minister BJP leader Arun Jaitley. He made a mark for himself as an administrator. He had a deep knowledge in law which was instrumental in establishing his presence in Parliament.”
– Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala CM
“Extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of Arun Jaitley. An outstanding Parliamentarian and a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends and admirers”.
– Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM
Sad to hear that former Union Minister #ArunJaitley ji has passed away. My thoughts are with his family in this time of grief. May his soul rest in peace.
– Capt. Amarinder Singh, Punjab CM
“Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Shri 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, Delhi CM
“Arun Jaitley will always be remembered as a skillful, successful advocate and a gentle politician. Humble tribute! May his soul rest in peace. Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.”
– Akhilesh Yadav, Former UP CM
Condoling the demise of the former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Kapil Sibal said, “We have lost someone whom the nation needed for many years. Arun Jaitley was a man of exceptional qualities and abilities and was wedded to an ideology since his university days and was fateful to that ideology till his last breath”.
– Kapil Sibal, Congress leader
Deeply saddened to hear that Shri @arunjaitley is no more. My prayers are with the family for strength during this time and for the departed soul to find peace. It is a sad day and a great loss for India as Jaitley Ji‘s contributions have been many.
– Sachin Pilot, Rajasthan Deputy CM
Eminent People Condoles
“So sad to hear about the demise of Arun Jaitley. May your soul rest in peace. So many wonderful memories of someone who listened well, spoke well and worked tirelessly. You will be missed.”
– Chetan Bhagat
Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our conversations around cricket. His contributions in every field will remain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
– Anil Kumble
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 ..cont
– Virender Sehwag
“Deeply saddened and shocked to hear the demise of Arun Jaitley sir. We have lost one of the prominent leaders today. My prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
– Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt
Nation loses another great leader.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.#ArunJaitley
– Sunny Deol
“Met Shri #ArunJaitley Ji almost 20 years back for the first time & have been his admirer ever since. His demise is a huge loss for our nation. Will be truly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family”.
– Anil Kapoor
Foreign Dignitaries pay tributes
“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,” said the US Embassy.
– US Embassy statement
“Sad to learn that former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to the deceased and his family.”
– Chinese Ambassador to India
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. #ArunJaitley
– France Ambassador to India
The Indian cricket team wears black arm bands in its Test match against West Indies to condole the demise of former Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley. Shri Arun Jaitley was also the president of the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and former vice-president of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI).
– Team India wears black arm bands
against West Indies
