Jaitley was a political giant, towering intellectual: PM

The PM spoke to the the wife and son of Jaitley.
Both of them insisted that he does not cancel his foreign tour.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday described Arun Jaitley as a 'valued friend' whose insights and nuanced understanding of matters had 'very few parallels' as he condoled the death of the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader who was one of his close confidants for decades.

Modi, who is in the United Arab Emirates on an official tour, said the former finance minister was full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma.

Official sources said the prime minister spoke to the the wife and son of Jaitley, who died at AIIMS on Saturday, and expressed his condolences.

Both of them insisted that he does not cancel his foreign tour.

In his tweets, Modi said Jaitley was admired by people across all sections of society, dding that he was multi-faceted, had impeccable knowledge about India's Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration.

'Arun Jaitley Ji was a political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary. He was an articulate leader who made a lasting contribution to India.

'His passing away is very saddening. Spoke to his wife Sangeeta Ji as well as son Rohan, and expressed condolences. Om Shanti.

'Full of life, blessed with wit, a great sense of humour and charisma, Arun Jaitley Ji was admired by people across all sections of society.

'He was multi-faceted, having impeccable knowledge about India’s Constitution, history, public policy, governance and administration,' the PM tweeted.

'During his long political career, Arun Jaitley Ji held multiple ministerial responsibilities, which enabled him to contribute towards India’s economic growth, strengthening our defence capabilities, creating people friendly laws and enhancing trade with other nations,' Modi said.

Modi also recalled his contribution to the BJP.

'BJP and Arun Jaitley Ji had an unbreakable bond. As a fiery student leader, he was at forefront of protecting our democracy during the Emergency.

'He became a much liked face of our Party, who could articulate the Party programmes and ideology to a wide spectrum of society,' he said.

With agency inputs