Former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Passes Away

Former Union Minister for Finance and member of the Rajya Sabha, Arun Jaitley has passed away. He was 66 years old.

Born in 1952, Arun Jaitley went on to obtain his law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi in 1977. He practiced law before the Supreme Court and several High Courts, and was designated a Senior Advocate in 1990. He also served as Additional Solicitor General between 1989 and 1990.

In 1999, he was appointed the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting by the Vajpayee-led Union BJP/NDA Coalition Government. In 2000, he also took on the portfolio of the Ministry of Law, Justice and Company Officers, following the resignation of Ram Jethmalani from the position. 

In 2009, he was chosen as the leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha. After the Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power in 2014, he served as Finance Minister and later as Defence Minister. 

When the Modi Government came to power again, Jaitely informed that he would not be a part of the cabinet in view of health concerns. 

On August 9, he was admitted to the All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after his health deteriorating. Recently,, it was reported that his condition was critical and that he had been put on ventilator.

[Read the AIIMS Press Release]