Congress MP Ghulam Nabi Azad condoles Sangeeta Jaitley, wife of former finance minister Arun Jaitley (ANI phot... Read More

NEW DELHI: Arun Jaitley was every non-BJP person’s favourite BJP-ite, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, shortly after news of Jaitley’s death broke on Saturday afternoon, recalling a political adversary who was respected by the opposition despite their ideological differences.

“Arun Jaitley was every non-BJP person's favourite BJP-ite. Son-in-law of stalwart J&K Congressman, he was amongst the sharpest legal and political brains with a great sense of humour and repartee. I once referred to him as Bedi+Pras(anna)+Chandra+Venkat for his extraordinary spinning abilities and he enjoyed it hugely. The GST Council may be amongst his most enduring contributions,” Ramesh said of Jaitley on Twitter.

Bishan Singh Bedi, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Erapalli Prasanna and S Venkataraghavan were India’s famous spin quartet in the 1960s and 70s.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh , in a condolence message, described Jaitley as an eminent lawyer, an excellent orator, a very good administrator and an outstanding parliamentarian. In his condolence message to Jaitley’s wife Sangeeta, Singh said, “In his death our country has lost a great leader who always worked for the betterment of society.”

Congress president Sonia Gandhi also said she was deeply pain and distressed at the passing away of Jaitley. Sonia said Jaitley was a public figure with a long innings as a parliamentarian and minister, and that his contributions to public life will always be remembered.

Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee called Jaitley “an outstanding parliamentarian and a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties”, while Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath said the country has lost a “nationalist and progressive politician in Arun Jaitley”.

BSP president Mayawati remembered Jaitley as a “noted lawyer and good human being”. “His contributions to Indian politics will not be forgotten,” she added.

Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot also condoled Jaitley’s passing. “I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley.”

Gehlot’s deputy, Sachin Pilot, described Jaitley’s death as “a big loss for the country”.

Jaitley’s colleagues in court and Parliament and personal friends Kapil Sibal and Abhishek Singhvi also remembered the deceased leader fondly. “As Leader of the Opposition he was without match. He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for his party,” Sibal said.

“Sad and absolutely gutted at the passing away of a dear friend, fierce compatriot and one of the most well meaning adversary in court & Parliament. Arun Jaitley will be sorely missed. Om Shanti!”, Singhvi tweeted.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also condoled Jaitley’s passing. “I am sorry to hear about Mr Arun Jaitley's passing. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace,” he said.

Expressing grief at Jaitley’s death, former President Pranab Mukherjee said he had visited him a day back and had prayed for his speedy recovery.

“He was a leader with deep intellect and knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. My prayers with his family, friends and admirers,” he said.

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also described Jaitley’s death as a great loss for the country. “Deeply saddened by the tragic passing of my friend Delhi Univ senior Arun Jaitley. We first met when he was at DUSU and I was president of St Stephen's College Union. Despite political differences we enjoyed a healthy mutual respect and debated his budget often in LS. A great loss for India,” he tweeted.

