Arun Jaitley passes away: Political leaders, lawyers pay tributes to 'brilliant lawyer, seasoned parliamentarian, distinguished minister'

From acting as an ace troubleshooter when it came to balancing the dynamics of coalition politics, to stepping up to helm key ministries in the NDA government whenever he was needed, Arun Jaitley was a force to reckon with within his party. But it was his jovial nature and ability to engage even with the most bitter adversaries that endeared him to all not only in politics but among prominent businessmen, journalists, and bureaucrats.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first leaders to mourn his loss in a series of tweets.

In a series of five tweets,  Modi wrote, "BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at the forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency. He became a much-liked face of our party, who could articulate the party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society."

Like Modi, Amit Shah also recalled Jaitley's unparalleled wit and jovial nature in a series of tweets, while also recounting his contribution as finance minister.

"The lively and joyful nature of Arun ji has always left a lasting impression on every person who ever met him. Today, his demise has created a great void in Indian polity and in the Bharatiya Janata Party which can not be filled easily in the years to come," Shah tweeted.

Rajnath Singh said that Jaitley will always be credited for putting the Indian economy back on track as the finance minister.

President Ram Nath Kovind remembered Jaitley as a "brilliant lawyer, seasoned parliamentarian and a distinguished minister" and extended condolences to Jaitley's family.

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

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu remembered Jaitley not only for his contribution to policy changes like GST, insolvency law but also for his role as a leader in the Rajya Sabha.

Politicians who usually found themselves on the opposite side of a debate with Jaitley and were acrimonious critics of his party and policies, also said that his demise was a great loss.

The Congress said it was deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of Jaitley.

"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)."

Congress leader and senior advocate Kapil Sibal too remembered Jaitley as an unparalleled Leader of Opposition.

"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. Which BJP leader has stood up and publicly advised the Prime Minister and his party to “stop demonising the Opposition and it’s leaders ?," Sibal said on Twitter.

Jaitley, who shared a good rapport with journalists with various political leanings was mourned in the media circles as well.

Jaitley, who was a lawyer and also served as the law minister, was remembered fondly by various lawyers and legal luminaries.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaisingh remembered Jaitley for his professionalism and said that he was a dignified opponent, both inside and outside the court.

Supreme Court lawyer Karuna Nandy recalled Jaitley's acts of compassion to lawyers of different ideological leanings.