Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi expressed grief onthe passing away of Arun Jaitley and said his contributions to public life willbe remembered forever. Jaitley, 66, who died in AIIMS at 12.07 pm wasundergoing treatment at the hospital for a few weeks. He was admitted there onAugust 9. Gandhi expressed deep pain and distress at the passing away ofJaitley.Jaitley had a long innings as a public figure, parliamentarian andminister and his contributions to public life will forever be remembered, SoniaGandhi said as she condoled Jaitley's demise.

Former president Pranab Mukherjee said he had visited him aday back and had prayed for his speedy recovery."He was a leader with deepintellect and knowledge, and a voice of reason. He will be dearly missed. Myprayers with his family, friends and admirers," he said.

The Congress party said, "We are deeply saddened tohear the passing of Shri Arun Jaitley. Our condolences to his family. Ourthoughts and prayers are with them in this time of grief."

The party's chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said,"Saddened to know about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley. My deepestcondolences to his family. An astute parliamentarian, he'll always be remembered.May his soul Rest in Peace."

Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel said in Jaitley thenation has a lost an articulate leader and an excellent human being.Notedlawyer and former union minister Kapil Sibal said he has lost an old friend anda dear colleague.

"Very sorry to learn that Arun Jaitley is no more. Anold friend and a dear colleague will be remembered for his seminalcontributions to the polity and as FM of India. As Leader of Opposition, he waswithout a match . He always stood steadfastly for his friends and for hisparty," he said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot said, "Deeplysaddened to know of the untimely demise of former Union minister and senior BJPleader, Sh Arun Jaitley. My heartfelt condolences to his family members. MayGod give them strength. May his soul rest in peace."Congress leader ShashiTharoor said Jaitley's death is a great loss for the country."Deeplysaddened by the tragic passing of my friend Delhi Univ senior Arun Jaitley. Wefirst met when he was at DUSU and I was President of St Stephen's CollegeUnion. Despite political differences, we enjoyed healthy mutual respect anddebated his Budget often in LS. A great loss for India," he tweeted.

Former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda alsocondoled the death, saying he is saddened and pained.