BJP Veteran Arun Jaitley Passes Away At 66

Arun Jaitley, former finance minister and one of the key members of the BJP (Bhartiya Janta Party), passed away this morning in New Delhi. His deteriorating health had led him to be admitted to AIIMS on August 9, further to which he was put on the ventilator. 

The 66-year-old BJP veteran’s death was confirmed in a statement by AIIMS. “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Member of Parliament & Former Finance Minister, Government of India at 12.07 pm on 24th August, 2019. Shri Arun Jaitley was admitted in AIIMS, New Delhi on 09/08/2019 and was treated by a multidisciplinary team of senior doctors,” it read. 

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Whilst he played an important role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first term in office, Arun Jaitley had not undertaken any responsibilities this time, the reason being his declining health. 

A lawyer by profession, Arun Jaitley was introduced to politics as a student leader, when he was sent to jail in the Emergency during Indira Gandhi’s tenure. Later, he joined the erstwhile Jan Sangh where over the years, he held an array of portfolios, which ranged from finance and corporate affairs to defence, law and justice and more. Having served in the BJP in Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s government, Jaitely was undoubtedly one of the most experienced members of the party. 

News of his demise had leaders sending in their thoughts and condolences.