Guwahati/ Agartala/ Itanagar/ Gangtok: With the nation lamenting the sudden demise of the former finance minister Arun Jaitley, various leaders from the North East, too, have offered condolences on Saturday.
Assam
In Assam, Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal mourned the death of Jaitley in New Delhi on Saturday. Sonowal and Jaitley were ministers in Narendra Modi’s first government. Condoling Jaitley’s death, he described the former union finance minister as a visionary leader and an outstanding parliamentarian.
“Jaitley was the architect of many major reforms in Indian economy and initiatives like demonetisation and introduction of GST would always remain a hallmark of his tenure as finance minister of the country,” he said.
“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing away of former union finance minister Arun Jaitley Ji. He was an inspiration and guide and his contribution towards shaping the growth story of new India is unparalleled,” Sonowal said in his condolence message.
“His death is an irreparable loss to the country which marks the end of a glorious chapter in Indian politics,” he added.
Sonowal also said Jaitley had also left his profound mark in defence, corporate affairs, industry and commerce and law ministries during the first Narendra Modi-led union government.
Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi has also expressed grief over the demise of former union finance minister. Describing Jaitley as a “prudent politician,” Mukhi said the country has lost an able leader with his demise.
“The untimely death of Arun Jaitley is a great loss to the country. An architect of the biggest indirect tax reform of the country, Jaitley contributed to the roll-out of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country”, Mukhi said in his condolence message.
“He was also a ‘legal luminary’ and had immense expertise on different legal issues especially cases related to taxation and finance,” Mukhi added.
“As a finance minister, Jaitley had managed the post-demonitisation period very professionally,” he said.
Though his death was premature, the senior BJP leader left behind a rich legacy which will continue to be a source of inspiration to the young generation, the governor said.
“I pray to almighty for eternal peace of the departed soul. I, at the same time, express my empathy with the bereaved family members at this time,” Mukhi added.
Tripura
In Tripura, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb mourned the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who passed away following a prolonged illness at AIIMS in New Delhi on Saturday.
“Jaitley was a seasoned and efficient politician and a competent lawyer too,” the chief minister said in a condolence message.
Deb, also the president of the Tripura unit of the BJP, said that as the finance minister, Jaitley had shown a new economic roadmap for the country and worked relentlessly during his tenure as union minister.
Arunachal Pradesh
In Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Saturday condoled the death of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley.
“Deeply pained to hear about sad demise of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley ji. His passing away is a great loss to our country. An eloquent orator, a visionary leader, he had contributed immensely towards building new India. My deepest condolence to his family & loved ones!,” Khandu said in a tweet.
His cabinet colleague, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein also took to Twitter to express grief over the demise of former finance minister.
Condoling Jaitley’s demise, Mein said, “The untimely demise of a leader of such stature has left the nation stunned. The void thus created by providence shall forever stay unfilled. May the Almighty grant strength to his family members to cope with such a tragedy and peace to the departed soul.”
Expressing grief, Arunachal East MP and BJP state president, Tapir Gao, in a tweet said, “I am, indeed, deeply saddened by the sad demise of Arun Jaitely ji. He was my colleague, guide and a political mentor. Today, India lost one of its most luminous sons. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family members and pray for eternal peace of his soul.”
Congress MLA and former MP, Ninong Ering said, “Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of former Finance Minister Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. Heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Sikkim
In Sikkim, Governor Ganga Prasad has condoled the demise of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley.
In his condolence message, Prasad said, “I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the untimely demise of Arun Jaitley at AIIMS, New Delhi today. Though we were aware of his illness, it was unexpected that he would leave us so early. Having started his political career as a student leader of Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad, he rose in the Indian Politics, firstly as acclaimed lawyer politician of BJP and later as Union Minister serving numerous portfolios under Late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Narendra Modi government’’.
“He was known for his articulation and administrative acumen with which he served the important ministries such as Defence, Law and Justice, Information and Broadcasting, Corporate affairs and Finance, initiating much-needed reforms in the governance. Besides numerous path-breaking reforms that he initiated during his term as union minister in various ministries, the country will remember and credit him for the success and implementation of country’s biggest tax reform, i.e, GST in the country. With his demise, the country has lost an exemplary leader, a nationalist and a statesman in a true sense, who always worked for the larger interest of the country and especially the economy,” he added
‘’I have had a very close association with Late Jaitley Ji and his passing away is my personal loss as much to the country. At this time of bereavement, I join the people of Sikkim and my fellow countrymen to offer my deepest condolences. I pray to the almighty for bestowing strength to his family members to cope with this irreparable loss,’’ said the governor.
Arun Jaitley, who was undergoing treatment at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) for the past few weeks, died on Saturday at an age of 66. (Agencies)
