Picture : Twitter / ANI
Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praises on his ‘dost’ (friend) and former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) remembered him during an event at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, in New Delhi .
Modi, who had decades-long close relations with Jaitley (66), said it was his “misfortune” that he had to pay condolences to a very good old friend who was younger to him.
As a member of his Cabinet, the former finance minister would give valuable inputs because of his knowledge of parliamentary and government history, Modi said, adding that he will always miss his presence and called him an “encyclopedia”.
He further lamented that he could not attend Jaitley’s last rites. “I never thought a day will come when I’ll have to pay tribute to my friend. We were friends for so long but I couldn’t pay my last respects to him, there will always be a burden on my heart because of it”.
Joined a prayer meeting remembering Arun Jaitley Ji.
The countless memories with Arun Ji will remain a part of our lives. His service to India was exemplary.
I am sad to have lost a great friend and valued colleague. pic.twitter.com/sI0RDBxDSi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2019
A tribute to my friend, Arun Jaitley. https://t.co/kBu3P3SpmH
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 10, 2019
