Mamata Banerjee expresses grief over death of Arun Jaitley

In this December 4, 2018 file photo, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley attends the 61st foundation day of Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Ambedkar International Centre, in New Delhi

New Delhi: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed sadness over the death of former Union finance minister Arun Jaitley. She said he was a politician who was "appreciated across parties". Jaitley died at AIIMS on Saturday afternoon at 12.07 pm.

"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," Banerjee said in a statement.

Former finance minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away in New Delhi at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). 66-year-old Jaitley was admitted to the AIIMS earlier on August 9, 2019 after he complained of restlessness. He was placed under observation at the hospital's Cardio-Neuro-Centre.

Jaitley first became a Cabinet minister in the government of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2000. He then also went on to serve as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from June 2009. Arun Jaitley was appointed the finance minister in the first term of Modi government in 2014. He opted out of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections citing health reasons.

Also Read: Arun Jaitley: A political journey

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