New Delhi, August 24: Union Minister Harsh Vardhan laid wreath on the mortal remains of late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) veteran Arun Jaitley on the behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Vardhan was accompanied by other members of BJP top brass, who condoled the bereaved family while paying their final tributes to Jaitley.

Speaking to reporters outside Jaitley's residence, where the body has been kept for people to pay their last tributes, Vardhan described the late politician as his mentor. "His demise is a huge loss for the nation. Jaitley ji was an efficient administrator and outstanding leader," he said. Jaitley Dies at 66: PM Narendra Modi Expresses Condolences, Says He Has Lost a Valued Friend

Harsh Vardhan Lays Wreath on Jaitley's Mortal Remains:

Modi, who is on an official state visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), dialled the bereaved family immediately after learning about his former Cabinet colleague's death. Jaitley's family, however, told him to continue with his official engagement in interest of the nation, rather than cutting short his schedule.

"Modi has spoken to Arun Jaitley’s wife and son, and expressed his condolences. Both of them insisted that PM does not cancel his current foreign tour," news agency ANI had reported.

Update by ANI:

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Modi subsequently took to Twitter to express his sorrow over the untimely demise. Describing Jaitley as a "valued" friend, the Prime Minister said he would deeply miss the presence of the former Finance Minister in handling various government affairs.

"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," he said.

Jaitley, 66, breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he was admitted on August 9 after complaining of breathlessness and anxiety. The senior BJP leader was facing health-related ailments over the past couple of years. His condition worsened since 2018 when he suffered from kidney-related ailments.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2019 04:32 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).