Cricketing world pays tribute to former DDCA President Arun Jaitley

The month of August has come with some bad news for the Indian political scene. After the demise of BJP’s beloved leader Sushma Swaraj on August 6, now former finance minister and one of the most respected politicians of his time, Arun Jaitley too passed away at the age of 66 as confirmed by the AIIMS, New Delhi, on August 24, 2019.

Arun Jaitley was born on 28 December 1952 in Delhi and was a lawyer by profession. He was an Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) student leader and was even jailed during the emergency imposed by then Indian PM Indira Gandhi.

He then joined Jan Sangh, which later became the Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and later served in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet as well. Between 2009 and 2014, when the BJP sat in the Opposition benches, Arun Jaitley served as the Opposition Leader in the Rajya Sabha.

Jaitley- the go-to man for Narendra Modi in his first tenure as PM

Arun Jaitley became the go-to man for the newly formed Narendra Modi government in 2014 and held the portfolios of defence and finance during his tenure. He had presented the first budget of the Modi 1.0 government and continued to work despite ill-health as he had to undergo bariatric surgery to address the excess weight, he had gained due to diabetes in 2014.

He then had a kidney transplant in 2018 and requested Modi not to give him any new responsibilities in the second tenure of the government and didn’t contest the Lok Sabha elections 2019. He battled health issues which got serious on August 9, as he was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Science after complaining of breathlessness and restlessness.

Despite the care of Cardio-Neuro-Centre of the hospital, his condition worsened and according to the doctors, he was on life support last week and passed away at 12.07pm on August 24, as per official press release of the AIIMS. Moreover, apart from politics, he served the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) as president between 1999-2013. Arun Jaitley was also associated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Delhi: Former Union Minister and Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passes away at AIIMS. pic.twitter.com/pmr4xiyqYV

— ANI (@ANI) August 24, 2019

The news of his demise days after Swaraj’s death has come as a severe blow to everyone and even shocked the cricketing fraternity.

Here’s how the cricketing fraternity reacted:

Grieved to know about the demise of @arunjaitley sir. Heartfelt condolences to the family. May his soul rest in peace.

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) August 24, 2019

My heartfelt condolences to the family and followers of #ArunJaitley Ji. Will always remember your contributions towards cricket, RIP Sir. ????

— Robin Aiyuda Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) August 24, 2019

Multiple roles, extreme talent and skill. A big loss as @arunjaitley ji leaves us, may his soul rest in peace.#arunjaitely #rip pic.twitter.com/oJ1WKj8V83

— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened and pained on the demise of #ArunJaitley ji .A visionary and luminary par excellence.Always helped and had time for cricketers at DDCA . Beautiful memories will always remain with me ,condolences to the family and close ones #Om shanti!! #RIP ????

— Mithun Manhas ???????? (@MithunManhas) August 24, 2019

Extremely saddened to hear that #ArunJaitley sir is no more. A stalwart in politics, he also played a stellar role in the growth of Delhi cricket. His help transformed the careers of many players. We will miss you. #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/oDCzV27JFt

— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened to hear #ArunJaitley Sir has passed away. Was fortunate to have his blessings throughout.Apart from being a devoted politician he was a die hard cricket fan.His support from my early days at DDCA has been tremendous. U will b missed sir.Big loss to the nation. RIP

— Unmukt Chand (@UnmuktChand9) August 24, 2019

Our country loses yet another great leader. He was not only an able politician and advocate but also an authoritative cricket administrator. #ArunJaitley ji #OmShanti pic.twitter.com/gp0MVr8Jbb

— Pragyan Prayas Ojha (@pragyanojha) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened by the demise of #ArunJaitley ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones ????????

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) August 24, 2019

Deeply saddened by the untimely demise of Shri. Arun Jaitley. Fondly remember our conversations around cricket. His contributions in every field will remain unparalleled. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. ????????

— Anil Kumble (@anilkumble1074) August 24, 2019

Saddened to learn about the passing away of Shri #ArunJaitley ji. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and admirers. Om Shanti ! pic.twitter.com/13m7zBwiE7

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) August 24, 2019

RIP #ArunJaitley Ji.. My sincere condolences to your family and loved ones ????

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) August 24, 2019

A father teaches u to speak but a father figure teaches u to talk. A father teaches u to walk but a father figure teaches u to march on. A father gives u a name but a father figure gives u an identity. A part of me is gone with my Father Figure Shri Arun Jaitley Ji. RIP Sir.

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) August 24, 2019

Pained at the passing away of #ArunJaitley ji. Apart from having served greatly in public life , he played a huge role in many players from Delhi getting an opportunity to represent India. There was a time when not many players from Delhi got a chance at the highest level ..cont

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2019

But under his leadership at the DDCA, many players including me got a chance to represent India. He listened to needs of the players & was a problem solver. Personally shared a very beautiful relationship with him. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & loved ones. Om Shanti https://t.co/Kl4NpprR6W

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 24, 2019