Arun Jaitley has been admitted in AIIMS since August 9.

Top Congress leaders on Saturday condoled the death of former finance minister Arun Jaitley, with the party saying it was deeply saddened to hear about his demise.

Arun Jaitley, 66, who died at 12.07 pm had been undergoing treatment at the hospital for a few weeks in AIIMS. He was admitted there on August 9.

"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 Congress said.

The party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, "Saddened to know about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. My deepest condolences to his family. An astute parliamentarian, he'll always be remembered. May his soul Rest in Peace."

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said, "Extremely saddened to learn about the demise of Arun ji. In him the nation has a lost an articulate leader and an excellent human being."

Noted lawyer and former union minister Kapil Sibal said he has lost an old friend and a dear colleague in Mr Jaitley.

"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 said.

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."

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said Mr Jaitley's death is 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.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also condoled the death, saying he is saddened and pained.