Huge loss to nation: Top leaders pay tributes to Arun Jaitley

New Delhi, Aug 24: Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away at AIIMS in New Delhi. He was 66. Tributes from leaders across the spectrum and people from different walks of life have started to pour in.

"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon'ble Member of Parliament and Former Finance Minister, Government of India at 12.07 pm on August 24," AIIMS said in its statement.

Jaitley, a lawyer by profession, had been a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet in the BJP government's first term. He held the finance and defence portfolios, and often acted as the chief troubleshooter of the government.

Jaitley did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election, because of his ill-health. In May this year, Jaitley was admitted to AIIMS for treatment.

President Ram Nath Kovind: Extremely saddened by the passing of 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.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Arun Jaitley was a "political giant" and a towering intellectual. PM Modi said passing away of Arun Jaitley is very saddening.

Home Minister Amit Shah dubs Arun Jaitley's demise "personal loss". Shah has also cut short his Hyderabad trip over the passing away of the former Finance Minister of India.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi shares a condolence message for Shri Arun Jaitley.

"My mentor, friend, leader, Arun Jaitley is no more. A loss which can never be compensated," BJP's Sushil Kumar Modi tweeted.

"Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader 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," tweeted Arvind Kejriwal.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed sadness over the demise of Jaitley and said he was a politician who was "appreciated across parties".

Jaitley was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on August 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors. Jaitley, a lawyer by profession, had been a key member of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Cabinet in the BJP government's first term. He held the finance and defence portfolios, and often acted as the chief troubleshooter of the government.