Political leaders in Gujarat condole Jaitley's death

Political leaders in Gujarat, including Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, on Saturday expressed grief over the death of former Union minister Arun Jaitley, who was thrice elected to the Rajya Sabha from the state.

"Saddened by the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley Ji - a unique combination of meticulous articulation embedded with proud depth of knowledge. I pray for the departed soul. My condolences to family members," Rupani said in a tribute posted on Twitter.

Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel tweeted saying he was "deeply saddened" by the "untimely demise" of Jaitley.

"His contribution to the nation is remarkable. May his soul get eternal peace. My thoughts are with his family," he said.

Gujarat Education Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, said, "Arunji (Jaitley) was like a pillar for the party (BJP) and the government. I worked with him for years since his days as a student leader, and then in the Jana Sangh and the BJP."