Tibetan leaders condole demise of BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley

File photo of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. PTI

DHARAMSALA, 26 Aug: The Tibetan spiritual leader, His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as the Central Tibetan Administration, (CTA) the Tibetan government-in-exile have both offered their condolences on the demise of senior BJP leader and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

The Dalai Lama has described the senior BJP leader as a distinguished attorney and public servant in a missive he addressed to Mrs Sangeeta Jaitley to offer his condolences on the passing away of her husband.

“Mr. Jaitley dedicated himself to the service of the Indian people. I applaud his sense of public service. At this sad and difficult time, please know that you and your family are in my thoughts,” the Dalai Lama said in the letter.

The President of the CTA Dr Lobsang Sangay, while offering the condolences on behalf of the CTA and the Tibetan people has said that the late minister was a “devoted, inspirational leader with integrity and wisdom,” reports Tibet.net, the official webpage of the CTA.

“A devoted, inspirational leader with integrity and wisdom, Sri Arun Ji’s legacy will leave on and continue to be an inspiration, President Sangay said and added, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of grief.”

The Speaker of the Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Pema Jungney, in a condolence letter, said, “His service for the people and Government of India during his leadership as the Parliamentarian, Union Minister, Defence Minister, and Finance Minister is impeccable. He was an excellent administrator, orator, and an outstanding leader. His service for the nation will be long remembered.”

Arun Jaitley, 66, passed away after prolonged illness at the AIIMS in the national capital on Saturday where he has been undergoing treatment for a few weeks. He was rushed to the AIIMS on 9 August after he complained of breathlessness and restlessness.

The former Finance Minister was cremated at the Nigambodh Ghat in the Indian capital with full state honors on Sunday. His cremation was attended by scores of politicians from across the political spectrum and his admirers.

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