RIP Arun Jaitley: From PM Modi to Arvind Kejriwal - politicians mourn BJP veteran's demise

Shock and sorrow engulfed the political corridor of India as former Union minister Arun Jaitley breathed his last at AIIMS, Delhi, on Saturday, ending an era of immeasurable importance in the Ministry of Finance. The BJP stalwart was rushed to the hospital on August 9 following complaints of breathlessness and restlessness. He was 66. Meanwhile, top political leaders, cutting across party lines, took to social media platforms and paid rich tributes to the veteran politician. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi termed him a "valued friend", Union Home Minister Amit Shah said Jaitley's death was a personal loss. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also remembered his first meeting with Jaitley while sharing a picture of the two on Instagram.

READ | PM Modi speaks to late BJP leader Arun Jaitley's family, insisted not to cancel UAE tour

Check out the Twitter reactions here:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

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. Read Here

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor:

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend and Delhi University senior, Arun Jaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU and I was President of St. Stephen’s College Union. Despite political differences, we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect and debated his Budget often in the Lok Sabha. A great loss for India.

View this post on Instagram

Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend and Delhi University senior, Arun Jaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU and I was President of St. Stephen’s College Union. Despite political differences, we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect and debated his Budget often in the Lok Sabha. A great loss for India.

A post shared by Shashi Tharoor (@shashitharoor) on Aug 24, 2019 at 12:50am PDT

AAP leader and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal:

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.

The Indian National Congress:

 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.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah:

I am deeply saddened by the death of Arun Jaitley, Jaitley's departure is a personal loss for me. As him, 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.

READ | Arun Jaitley's contributions to public life will be remembered forever: Sonia Gandhi

President Ram Nath Kovind:

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.

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik:

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.

Former Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu:

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 Arun Jaitley will always feel void,could never forget him and contribution Om Shanti.

Union Minister Smriti Irani:

A stalwart who paid tribute to his simple beginnings by helping those with meagre means . Orator par excellence, legal luminary Arun Jaitley ji served the Nation and sangathan with dedication and zeal. My tributes to him. Condolences to loved ones. Om Shanti.

READ | Arun Jaitley’s last rites to be performed tomorrow at Delhi’s Nigambodh Ghat

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee:

Extremely saddened at the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji, after a battle bravely borne. 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.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh:

Jaitleyji will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom and putting it back on the right track. The BJP will miss Arunji's presence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family.

Former Indian cricketer and BJP MP Gautam Gambhir:

A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir.