Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2019 after being admitted to AIIMS in New Delhi on August 9, the hospital has announced in a statement. 

READ: Former Union Minister Arun Jaitley Passes Away At AIIMS In New Delhi

CONGRESS PAYS TRIBUTE TO ARUN JAITLEY 

Reacting to the former Finance Minister's demise, Congress issued a statement stating that they are deeply saddened to hear the passing of Arun Jaitley and that their thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of grief. Read below- 

KAPIL SIBAL MOURNS THE LOSS OF 'OLD FRIEND' ARUN JAITLEY  

Calling Arun Jaitley an 'old friend', and 'dear colleague', Congress leader and legal eagle Kapil Sibal mourned the loss of former Finance Minister. Stating that he will always be remembered for his seminal contributions to the polity, Sibal wrote, "As a leader of Opposition he was without match. He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for his party". 

READ: Kapil Sibal Not Joining Fellow Congress Leaders' Modi Praise, Hits Out

AIIMS RELEASES STATEMENT ON ARUN JAITLEY'S DEMISE 

In the press release, AIIMS stated, “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, Hon’ble Member of Parliament & Former Finance Minister, Government of India at 12:07 pm on 24th August, 2019. 

READ: Parliament Passes Triple Talaq Bill: Kapil Sibal Slams Fellow Opposition Parties For Walkouts, Abstaining

BJP leader hospitalised in August

Jaitley, 66, had been visited by several top leaders of the country since his admission. President Kovind visited AIIMS on the day of his admission to the hospital, PM Modi visited him immediately after his return to the country from Bhutan.

READ: AIIMS Statement: "Arun Jaitley Haemodynamically Stable, Being Treated In ICU Under Multidisciplinary Team Of Doctors"

Union Minister Home Minister Amit Shah was also present in the hospital on August 11. Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Chief Ministers Arvind Kejriwal, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, as well as senior Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi had also visited AIIMS to inquire on the former union minister. On the day Mr. Jaitley had been admitted, a number of senior government leaders including PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah had visited him at AIIMS. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu had also gone to AIIMS, on the day after Jaitley's admission.