The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has condoled the passing away of the former Union Minister, Shri Arun Jaitley. In a message, he said that Shri Jaitley was an outstanding Parliamentarian, legal luminary, towering intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity. Shri Jaitley strove hard and burnt the midnight oil to bring about a consensus across the political spectrum in ushering the revolutionary GST regime in the country, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President’s message:

“I am deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, a long time dear friend and one of my closest associates. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me. I have no words to express my grief.

Outstanding Parliamentarian, legal luminary, towering intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity, Shri Jaitley distinguished himself by effectively handling important portfolios as Union Minister in the cabinets of Shri A.B. Vajpayee and Shri Narendra Modi .

He was also a recipient of the Best Parliamentarian Award.

Shri Jaitley strove hard and burnt the midnight oil to bring about a consensus across the political spectrum in ushering the revolutionary GST regime in the country. He made immense contribution to public discourse on various issues from time to time.

He was also a communicator par excellence and used to articulate the most complex issues in a simple manner.”

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RRK/BK/MS/RK