Governors, CMs, leaders recall Jaitley's contributions to country

Governors, chief ministers and state leaders cutting across party lines condoled the demise of former union minister Arun Jaitley and hailed him as an outstanding parliamentarian, administrator and a good human being.

Jaitley, 66, died on Saturday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he had been undergoing treatment for a few weeks.

Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel hailed him as "a capable lawyer and political leader" who served the nation in various capacities. "His demise is a great loss for the Indian politics," she said in a statement released by the Raj Bhawan.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said his death is "an immense loss for the country and society".

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

Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya and Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed deep grief at the demise of the senior BJP leader.

In a condolence message, Maurya remembered the former union minister as an efficient administrator, a brilliant orator and a noted legal expert who maintained the highest values in every role assigned to him in public life.

Rawat described Jaitley as a leader widely respected for his expertise on economic, corporate and legal affairs.

Rajasthan Chief Minister tweeted, "I am saddened by the news of the untimely demise of former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley."
Bikaner MP and Union Minister Arjunram Meghwal tweeted, "My heart is deeply saddened by the death of senior BJP leader, former Finance Minister, my senior colleague and guide Arun Jaitley."
Jodhpur MP and Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, "It is very sad to see Arun Jaitley go. He was the revered columnist and intellectual pillar of the organisation. Arun Jaitley was always a guide for hundreds of activists like me. His departure is very painful. May God give all of us courage to deal with this misery."
Madhya Pradesh CM Kamal Nath said, "The country has lost a nationalist and progressive politician in Arun Jaitley."
Punjab Governor V P Singh Badnore said , "Jaitley possessed rare and exceptional qualities of head and heart."
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh puts it succinctly: "Arun Jaitley was every non-BJP person's favourite BJP-ite."