Delhi, August 24: Former Union Finance Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arun Jaitley died at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Delhi on Saturday afternoon. He was 66. He was admitted to AIIMS on August 9 after he complained of breathing issues. A press release by the hospital said that he died at 12:07 on August 24. President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu expressed their condolence on the death of former BJP leader. Arun Jaitley Dies at 66: Former Finance Minister Breathes His Last at AIIMS.

President Kovind in a tweet said that he is extremely saddened by the passing of a brilliant lawyer and a seasoned parliamentarian. "Extremely saddened by the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley after battling a long illness with fortitude and dignity. A brilliant lawyer, a seasoned parliamentarian, and a distinguished Minister, he contributed immensely to nation building," he said. Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, Arvind Kejriwal, Ashok Gehlot and Other Politicians Mourn the Death of Former Finance Minister.

"Shri Arun Jaitley possessed a unique ability of discharging the most onerous responsibility with poise, passion and studied understanding. His passing leaves a huge void in our public life and our intellectual ecosystem. Condolences to his family and associates," President Kovind said. Arun Jaitley Dies at 66: Here's a Look at The Political Career of the Former Finance Minister And Senior BJP Leader.

In a series of tweets, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu expressed condolences on the loss of Arun Jaitley. "I am deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, a long-time dear friend and one of my closest associates. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me. I have no words to express my grief," Naidu tweeted.

"Outstanding parliamentarian, legal luminary, towering intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity, Shri Jaitley distinguished himself by effectively handling important portfolios as union minister in the cabinets of Shri A.B. Vajpayee and Narendra Modi," he said

"Shri Jaitley strove hard and burnt the midnight oil to bring about a consensus across the political spectrum in ushering the revolutionary GST regime in the country. He made immense contribution to public discourse on various issues from time to time," Naidu said.

Arun Jaitley Dies Aged 66: Former Union Minister & Senior BJP leader Passes Away at AIIMS

Arun Jaitley served as union finance minister from 2014 to 2019. He was also the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2014. After 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he refused to be part of Narendra Modi government citing health problems.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 24, 2019 03:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).