Arun Jaitley was admitted at the hospital on August 9 after he complained of breathlessness.

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.

Here are the highlights and tributes for Arun Jaitley:

Aug 24, 2019 21:33 (IST) RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das pays tribute Arun Jaitley



"Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. No words to describe the sense of grief. A great personality.Unique combination of extraordinary knowledge,sharpness of mind and wisdom.Above all a good human being. May his soul rest in peace"

Was privileged to work with Shri Arun Jaitley on major reforms like GST,IBC,Monetary Policy framework,FDI liberalisation, etc. The way he navigated these structural changes was unparalleled. Unruffled in most challenging situations. Will be remembered as a major reformer. - Shaktikanta Das (@DasShaktikanta) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 18:07 (IST) I am sorry to hear about Mr Arun Jaitley's passing. My condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace. - Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 17:11 (IST) Saddened to hear about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. He donned several hats successfully, including that of a cricket administrator. India has lost a distinguished parliamentarian. My condolences to his family and friends. - Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 17:10 (IST) "Arun Jaitley Was Every Non-BJP Person's Favourite BJP-ite," Says Jairam Ramesh

"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



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"



Aug 24, 2019 16:42 (IST) Foreign Ambassadors Condole Arun Jaitley's Death



"It is with much sadness that we have learned of the passing of Arun Jaitley. He was a great statesman and a strong proponent of the US-India relationship. May he rest in peace" -- Kenneth Juster, US Ambassador to India

"Sad to learn that former Finance Minister #ArunJaitley has passed away. My heartfelt condolences to the deceased and his family." -- Sun Weidong, Chinese Ambassador to India

"On behalf of France, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Arun Jaitley. As the nation mourns its former Finance Minister and one of Rajya Sabha's most prominent voices, France stands with India and its people in this time of deep grief" -- French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler

"Very saddened to hear about the demise of former Union Finance Minister #ArunJaitley; he was a great leader and an exponent of Indo-German relations. Our condolences to his family and loved ones" -- German Ambassador to India Walter J. Lindner



Aug 24, 2019 15:30 (IST) Union Minister And Former BJP president Nitin Gadkari On Arun Jaitley's Death





"I used to take his suggestions on various matters when I was BJP president. He was dedicated to the ideology of the party. His speeches in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha will be remembered by the people. His death is a loss to the entire nation, the government and the party



"I have seen him closely when he started as a student leader of the Vidyarthi Parishad. He was one of the top lawyers in the country who possessed natural argumentative skills"

Aug 24, 2019 15:27 (IST) Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi Says With Arun Jaitley's Death India Lost "an eminent senior advocate" and "a tall leader"

"I am personally, deeply saddened by the passing of Arun Jaitley," Chief Justice Of India told news agency PTI

Justice Gogoi said on behalf of the country's judiciary, "I express my condolences to his family and pray for the noble soul to rest in peace"

Aug 24, 2019 15:23 (IST) Arun Jaitley, Senior BJP Leader And Former Union Minister, Dies At 66



Aug 24, 2019 15:21 (IST) Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's Offers Condolences To Arun Jaitley's Wife



Dear Smt. Sangeeta Jaitley ji,

I have learnt with profound sorrow about the sad and shocking news of the untimely demise of our beloved Shri Arun Jaitley. Shri Jaitley was an eminent lawyer, an excellent orator, a very good administrator and an outstanding Parliamentarian. In his death our country has lost a great Leader who always worked for the betterment of Society.



I take this opportunity to convey to you and other members of your family my heartfelt condolences on this bereavement. We pray to the Almighty to give all of you the strength to bear this great loss with courage and, fortitude.





Aug 24, 2019 15:12 (IST) "Leader with deep intellect and knowledge": Pranab Mukherjee on Arun Jaitley



Former President Pranab Mukherjee remembered Arun Jaitley as a leader with "deeep intellect and knowledge".

The former President said he had visited Mr Jaitley at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday and prayed for his speedy recovery.

"Deeply saddened at the untimely passing away of Arun Jaitley. Visited him just day before and 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," Mr Mukherjee tweeted.

Aug 24, 2019 14:44 (IST) Arun Jaitley was like an elder brother: Ravi Shankar Prasad



Ravi Shankar Prasad remembered his association with Arun Jaitley. "Deeply condole the death of our senior leader #ArunJaitely Ji, who was like an elder brother to me. Have worked with him since my student days for more than 45 years. His intellect, leadership and eloquence was truly extraordinary. We all will really miss him. My deep condolences.

According to reports, Ravi Shankar Prasad, who landed at Patna airport some time back, took the same flight back to Delhi on learning about Arun Jaitley's death.

Aug 24, 2019 14:35 (IST) Arun Jaitley, ultimate backroom strategist, had friends across parties





Like Sushma Swaraj, Mr Jaitley, a lawyer-turned-politician, enjoyed cordial ties with politicians across the spectrum.

One of the most powerful ministers in PM Modi's first term, Mr Jaitley was acknowledged as the ultimate backroom strategist.

After the BJP won a second term in the national election this year, he wrote to PM Modi that he would "not be part of any responsibility in the new government" because of his health.

Always among the BJP's chief troubleshooters, Mr Jaitley steered major economic legislation and also defended controversial policies for the government.

PM Modi had given Mr Jaitley charge of three ministries when he first took office in 2014 -- finance, defence and information and broadcasting.

Aug 24, 2019 14:24 (IST) Arun Jaitley to be cremated tomorrow



Arun Jaitley's body will be taken to his residence shortly. Tomorrow, his body will be moved to BJP headquarters, where it will be kept till 2 pm. From there it will be taken for cremation to Nigambodh Ghat, located on the banks of the Yamuna river in New Delhi. Arun Jaitley's body will be taken to his residence shortly. Tomorrow, his body will be moved to BJP headquarters, where it will be kept till 2 pm. From there it will be taken for cremation to Nigambodh Ghat, located on the banks of the Yamuna river in New Delhi.

Aug 24, 2019 14:15 (IST) An outstanding Parliamentarian and a brilliant lawyer: Mamata Banerjee remembers Arun Jaitley



West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in her tribute, wrote, "Extremely saddened at the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji, after a battle bravely borne. An outstanding Parliamentarian & a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends & admirers."

Extremely saddened at the passing away of Arun Jaitley Ji, after a battle bravely borne. An outstanding Parliamentarian & a brilliant lawyer, appreciated across parties. His contribution to Indian polity will be remembered. My condolences to his wife, children, friends & admirers - Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 14:04 (IST)



Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote, "Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Sh Arun Jaitley ji is a huge loss to the nation. A legal luminary and an experienced political leader known for his governance skills will be missed by the country. Thoughts and prayers with his family in this moment of grief. RIP" Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal wrote, "Untimely demise of former FM and senior leader Sh Arun Jaitley ji is a huge loss to the nation. A legal luminary and an experienced political leader known for his governance skills will be missed by the country. Thoughts and prayers with his family in this moment of grief. RIP"

Aug 24, 2019 13:59 (IST) "Have lost a member of my family": Amit Shah on Arun Jaitley





Former finance minister Arun Jaitley's death is a "personal loss", Home Minster Amit Shah said today as he paid tribute to the veteran BJP leader in a tweet.

"Deeply saddened by Arun Jaitley's death. His death is a personal loss for me. I have not just lost a senior party colleague but also a member of my family, who guided me for several years," Mr Shah wrote in a tweet in Hindi.

Aug 24, 2019 13:56 (IST) Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Arun Jaitley: Congress



The Congress said it was deeply saddened to hear about the death of the senior BJP leader.

"We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley. Our condolences to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief," the party said on its Twitter handle.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Deeply saddened to know of untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJP leader, Sh Arun Jaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. May God give them strength. May his soul rest in peace (sic)."

Aug 24, 2019 13:46 (IST) "Leader of Opposition without match": Kapil Sibal remembers Arun Jaitley



Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal said Arun Jaitley will be remembered for his "seminal contributions to the polity and as FM of India". "Very sorry to learn that Arun Jaitley is no more . An old friend and a dear colleague will be remembered for his seminal contributions to the polity and as FM of India . As Leader of Opposition he was without match . He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for his party," he tweeted.

Aug 24, 2019 13:42 (IST) Extremely shocked to hear about the passing away of former union Finance Minister & senior leader Sh. Arun Jaitley ji.

I had known him since many years and always found him to be knowledgeable and sincere.

Will miss him. RIP sir - Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 13:27 (IST) Arun Jaitley died at 12.07 pm: AIIMS



The AIIMS hospital, in a brief statement, said Arun Jaitley died at 12.07 pm.

"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," said AIIMS in a statement.

Aug 24, 2019 13:26 (IST) A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir. - Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 13:25 (IST)

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said Mr Jaitley's death was a "irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me". "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," he tweeted.

Aug 24, 2019 13:17 (IST) 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 #PresidentKovind - President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 24, 2019

Aug 24, 2019 13:15 (IST) Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Arun Jaitley's family



Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Arun Jaitley's family. "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," PM Modi tweeted.

PM Modi is currently on the second leg of his three-nation visit -- France, UAE and Bahrain. He reached UAE on Friday.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks to Arun Jaitley's family. "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," PM Modi tweeted.

Aug 24, 2019 13:13 (IST) "Arun Jaitley will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom: Rajnath Singh



Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Mr Jaitley will always be "remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom".

"Jaitleyji will always be remembered for pulling the economy out of the gloom and putting it back on the right track. The BJP will miss Arunji's presence. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family," Mr Singh tweeted.

Aug 24, 2019 13:04 (IST) "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," said AIIMS in a statement.