Arun Jaitley was admitted to Delhi's AIIMS on August 9. (File)
Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who died today in Delhi after a prolonged illness, will always be "remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom", Defence Minister Rajnath Singh today.
"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," Mr Singh tweeted.
Mr Jaitley died today at Delhi's AIIMS at the age of 66.
"It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. Honourable Member of Parliament and former finance minister, government of India at 12:07 pm on 24 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," said AIIMS in a statement.
Mr Jaitley, a lawyer by profession, had been an important part in 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.
In his tribute, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he lost a "valued friend". "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," PM Modi tweeted.
Mr Jaitley is the second high profile loss for the ruling BJP after former Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj, who died on August 6.
PM Modi had given Mr Jaitley charge of three ministries when he first took office in 2014 -- finance, defence and information and broadcasting.