Sushma’s demise left Jaitley ‘stunned’

As tributes pour in for former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, his tweet condoling Sushma Swaraj’s death on August 7 has assumed new significance. A longstanding 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 demise of Sushmaji.”

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The two leaders, who had made their mark in the pre-Modi era, made a smooth transition after Narendra Modi won in 2014. Unlike many, they comfortably fitted in Modi's working style and were soon considered to be the two best ministers in the Prime Minister's cabinet. In that way, Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj shared a personal bond as well.

So the sudden news of Sushma Swaraj's demise made an ailing Jaitley tweet his second last tweet of his life: "She was one of the most outstanding politicians in the present era. She distinguished in all positions. 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. — IANS

His 2nd last tweet

Saddened, pained & broken on demise of Sushmaji. She was one of the most outstanding politicians in the present era. She distinguished in all positions. She leaves behind a void which is difficult to fill.