When Arun Jaitley expressed condolence after Sushma Swaraj's demise

Arun Jaitley with Sushma Swaraj in a file photo. Pic/AFP

New Delhi: Two of the most prolific leaders who made their mark in Narendra Modi's first government left for their heavenly abode in the month of August 2019. As tributes poured in for former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley who died at AIIMS on August 24, 2019, after a prolonged illness, his condolence tweet for Sushma Swaraj after her death on August 7, 2019, has assumed new significance.

A long-standing cabinet colleague and a fellow member of the BJP Parliamentary Board, Sushma Swaraj's sudden death left Jaitley stunned. Just two days before he was admitted at AIIMS, Jaitley had tweeted: "Saddened, pained & broken on the demise of Sushmaji."

Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj who have been active and made their marks in the pre-Modi era made a smooth transition after Narendra Modi won a landslide victory in 2014. They comfortably fitted in Modi's working style and were soon considered to be the two best ministers in the Prime Minister's cabinet. The two BJP stalwarts shared a personal bond as well.

After the sudden news of Sushma Swaraj's demise, an ailing Jaitley tweeted the second last tweet of his life where he said, "She was one of the most outstanding politicians in the present era. She distinguished in all positions. She held senior positions with the party, NDA government and while in opposition. She leaves behind a void which is difficult to fill."

Ironically, Jaitley himself has left a void in the BJP that will be equally tough to fill, considering the finesse with which he could reach out to the Opposition. He was unwell for a long time. In May, Jaitley was admitted in AIIMS and had undergone a renal transplant on May 14, 2014. In September 2014, he underwent bariatric surgery.

Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from IANS

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