NEW DELHI: Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Saturday recalled the contributions of his colleague
Arun Jaitley, describing the former finance minister as a “political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary”, and said he had lost a valued friend.
“With the demise of Arun Jaitleyji, 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 said.
Paying tribute to Jaitley through a series of tweets, the PM said: “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.”
Modi, who is abroad, also recalled the multi-faceted personality of Jaitley, a close colleague for decades. “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.”
The PM also referred to the roles Jaitley played in BJP governments, and as BJP worker and functionary. “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,” Modi tweeted.
“BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at the 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,” he said.
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