Arun Jaitley, a former union minister and BJP veteran, died at Delhi's AIIMS hospital today, after a prolonged illness. He was 66. His death was announced by AIIMS in a statement: "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."
Leaders from across the political spectrum offered the condolences. President Ram Nath Kovind, in his tribute to the former minister, said that his death has left a "huge void in our public life and our intellectual ecosystem".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Mr Jaitley a very "valuable friend" who was at the "forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency". In a series of tweets, the prime minister recalled his contribution towards the country. "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," PM Modi tweeted.
Mr Jaitley was admitted to the hospital on August 9 following complaints of breathlessness and restlessness. He had been put on life support and was being monitored by a multidisciplinary team of doctors. Hospital sources had earlier said he was on life support. Mr Jaitley was also admitted to the AIIMS for treatment in May this year.
His health has remained a concern since he underwent a renal transplant last year. Mr Jaitley, who was finance minister in the government's previous term, skipped the interim budget in February when he was in the US for treatment.
After the BJP's victory in the national election, Mr Jaitley had written to PM Modi that he would "not be part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government" because of his health.
