Kerala Guv, CM, leaders condole Arun Jaitley's death

Kerala Governor, Chief Minister and other political leaders on Saturday condoled the demise of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley,who passed away aftera prolonged illness at AIIMS in New Delhi,and hailed his contributions.

Expressing grief, Governor P Sathasivam said, Jaitley was the "perfect blend" of an able administrator, legal luminary and a well-respected Parliamentarian with a clarity of vision.

"Deeply saddened by the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, former Union Ministerwho ledvarious portfolios with elegance and efficiency.

In Shri Jaitley, we saw the perfect blend of an able administrator, legal luminary and a well respected Parliamentarian with a clarity of vision," he said here in a message.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Jaitley was a leader who had made great strides in various sectors and laid his own mark in administration.

"Legal proficiency had enabled him to excel in Parliamentary affairs. He had an exceptional skill in analysing political and economic matters," Vijayan said adding that he had great understanding about the peculiarities of the southern state.

The left leader also remembered that Jaitley was one of the first union ministers whom he had met after assuming office as the Chief Minister three years ago.

In his condolence message, Leader of Opposition in Kerala Assembly, Ramesh Chennithala recalled the days in which he had worked along with Jaitley as a Parliamentarian.

The country had lost one of its most eminent politicians of the post-independence period through his death, the leader added.

State Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac termed Jaitley as a "rare personality" who had blended scholarly knowledge with democratic sense.

He departed at a time when the country was desperate for the presence of a personalty like him who listens to positive suggestions and criticisms, Isaac added.