New Delhi, August 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed condolences over the demise of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) today. The Prime Minister, who is currently on his foreign tour, spoke to Jaitley’s wife and son, and expressed sadness over the demise of the veteran BJP leader. Reports inform that both- Jaitley's son and his wife, insisted that PM does not cancel his current foreign tour. Arun Jaitley Dies at 66: Former Finance Minister Breathes His Last at AIIMS.

In a series of tweets, the Prime Minister said with Jaitley's demise, he has lost a valued friend. "With the demise of Arun Jaitley Ji, 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!", the PM tweeted. Arun Jaitley Dies at 66: Former FM Was PM Narendra Modi's Go-To Man Who Had Friends on Both Sides of the Aisle.

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Remembering Jaitley, the Prime Minister said he was an articulate leader, full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma. "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", the PM said in another tweet. Take a Look at Arun Jaitley's Political Career.  

Lauding Jaitley's political career, the Prime Minister said, during his long political career, Jaitley 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.

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Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS on August 9 and was treated by a multi-disciplinary team of senior doctors. The BJP leader, a lawyer by profession, had been a key member of the 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.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2019 01:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).