Nation Remembers Former Union Minister Arun Jaitley On His 67th Birth Anniversary

On Arun Jaitley's 67th birth anniversary, a host of BJP leaders paid their homage to former union minister. Jaitley, who took his last breath on August 24 this year, was the former finance minister and a seasoned politician. Late BJP leader was known for debating skills in Parliament and had served as Minister under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi.

"I pay my deepest tributes to Shri Arun Jaitley Ji on his 67th birth anniversary. He was like a father figure to me. Apart from being a big inspiration and motivator he also guided and supported me in each step of my life. I will always miss him," tweeted cricketer-turned-politician and East Delhi MP Gautam Gambhir.

Akali Dal leader and Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal wrote - "I fondly remember Shri Arun Jaitley ji as a wonderful guide and a charismatic leader. His close connection with Punjab will always be missed by the people of the state. On his birth anniversary, I pay homage to the man who won hearts with his selflessness and humility".

BJP lawmaker in Rajya Sabha, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, in his missive in the micro blogging site wrote: "Arun Jaitley ji was a strong intellect and Parliamentarian and I was privileged to know him and work with him first as an Telecom entrepreneur and then as a MP over two decades".

Former Union Minister and BJP leader Suresh Prabhau wrote: "Today with tearful eyes one remembers Arun Jaitley on his birth anniversary. Hard to mention that he’s no more, as his outstanding personality has left several imprints,which can’t be so easily erased from one’s memory".

Union Minister Jitendra Singh wrote in his homage to the deceased leader: "You were always there, day to day...accessible, available, generous with insightful observations. Even today; whenever an issue comes up, the subconscious mind spontaneously echoes "What would be Arun ji's view" and the answers begin to unfold. Birthday rememberance Arun Jaitley".

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled a statue of Arun Jaitley in the state. Nitish earlier said that Jaitley's birthday will be celebrated as a state function every year as a mark of respect to the departed leader.

Kumar made the announcement while speaking at a function organised at S K Memorial hall to pay tributes to the veteran leader, who died in the national capital on August 24.

Union Minister and LJP Chief Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi, Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Union Ministers of State- Nityanand Rai, Ashwini Kumar Choubey- and a host of Bihar ministers paid floral tributes to the senior BJP leader and renowned lawyer.

Kumar said that "Arun Jailtey jee was a man of amazing talents who successfully and efficienty discharged his duties as a minister both in Atal jee's government and the current government." Recalling his association with Jaitley, the CM said that "I had very close association with Arun Jailey jee since 1998 when I got the opportunity to work in Atal Bihari Vajpayee government...I am deeply hurt with passing away of Arun Jaitley jee."

He also recalled contributions of Jaitley during Bihar assembly elections held in February and November 2005 when he (Jaitley) was Bihar BJP in-charge and asserted that his contributions can not be forgotten.

Speaking on the occasion, Bihar Deputy CM Sushil Kumar Modi said that it was Arun Jaitley who successfully implemented "one nation, one tax, one market", otherwise it would have been quite difficult to implement the same.