Leaders across the country got together on Monday and paid their tributes to former union finance and defence minister later Arun Jaitley on his first death anniversary.
In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “On this day, last year, we lost Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. I miss my friend a lot. Arun Ji diligently served India.”
“His wit, intellect, legal acumen and warm personality were legendary,” Modi added.
The Prime Minister also tagged a video of his comments during a prayer meeting in his memory.
On this day, last year, we lost Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. I miss my friend a lot.
Arun Ji diligently served India. His wit, intellect, legal acumen and warm personality were legendary.
Here is what I had said during a prayer meeting in his memory. https://t.co/oTcSeyssRk
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 24, 2020
Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, state health and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma were among the few prominent leaders from the northeast who paid homage to the former union minister late Arun Jaitley on his first death anniversary on Monday.
In his message, Assam CM Sonowal said, “My solemn tributes to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley ji on his first death anniversary. A great leader and towering personality, his illustrious career has given a new definition to India’s political sphere.”
My solemn tributes to former Union Minister Arun Jaitley ji on his first death anniversary. A great leader and towering personality, his illustrious career has given a new definition to India's political sphere. https://t.co/tNfv8pnYFq
— Sarbananda Sonowal (@sarbanandsonwal) August 24, 2020
Sonowal’s Meghalaya counterpart Conrad Sangma said, “Remembering Sh. Arun Jaitley ji on his death anniversary. He remained a stalwart contributor to the growth and progress of India throughout his life. Our heartfelt tributes to him.”
Remembering Sh. Arun Jaitley ji on his death anniversary. He remained a stalwart contributor to the growth and progress of India throughout his life. Our heartfelt tributes to him.#ArunJaitley pic.twitter.com/TrgPDV5UzX
— Conrad Sangma (@SangmaConrad) August 24, 2020
Union sports minister Kiren Rijiju, in his message, wrote, “Remembering and offering my heartfelt tributes to late Arun Jaitley Ji on his Punyatithi. An exceptional orator with gifted personality, he was a leader who adorned every responsibility to perfection. His knowledge and wisdom will keep inspiring us.”
Remembering and offering my heartfelt tributes to late Arun Jaitley Ji on his Punyatithi. An exceptional orator with gifted personality, he was a leader who adorned every responsibility to perfection. His knowledge and wisdom will keep inspiring us. pic.twitter.com/ZC400t3KCZ
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) August 24, 2020
Assam finance and education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma tweeted a message in Hindi remembering the late leader.
“I offer my heartfelt tributes to former union finance and defence minister late Arun Jaitley. Not only was he a prolific leader, but also a decorated advocate who was determined and focussed for the development and unity of the nation,” Sarma said.
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— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) August 24, 2020
Jaitley suffered from a series of health-related issues and underwent multiple surgeries leading into his deteriorating health and subsequent death in 2019.
In 2005, he underwent coronary artery bypass surgery after he was diagnosed with high blood pressure.