Jaswant Singh died today following a long spell of illness. He was 82.
Former Union minister Jaswant Singh, a close associate of ex-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, died today following a long spell of illness. He was 82.
Jaswant Singh, a former Army officer, had been ill after a fall at his home in August 2014 and was admitted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital. He was in coma for a long spell and had been in and out of the hospital since then. He was admitted again in June this year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other top BJP leaders paid tributes to Mr Singh, saying that he served India diligently and will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society.
Condoling his death, PM Modi said, "Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal Ji's Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise."
In his message, PM Modi added, "Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti."
Expressing his anguish, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Jaswant Singh served the nation in several capacities and distinguished himself as an effective minister and parliamentarian.
"Jaswant Singh ji would be remembered for his intellectual capabilities and stellar record in service to the nation. He also played a key role in strengthening the BJP in Rajasthan. Condolences to his family and supporters in this sad hour. Om Shanti," Rajnath Singh said.
Reacting to Jaswant Singh's death, the President said the demise of the "veteran soldier, outstanding parliamentarian, exceptional leader and intellectual" was distressing. "He combined many difficult roles with ease and equanimity. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends," he said.
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu condoled the death of BJP veteran and former Union minister Jaswant Singh, saying he was a man of impeccable integrity, an able administrator and an excellent parliamentarian. "Deeply saddened by the demise of former Union Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh. He was a great leader who served the nation with distinction in various capacities," the Vice President Secretariat tweeted quoting Naidu.
"Pained with the passing away of Jaswant Singh ji , a stalwart who served our Nation diligently ; be it politics or the armed forces. My condolences to his loved ones and supporters. Om Shanti," Union Minister Smriti Irani wrote.
Bengal Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, DMK chief MK Stalin, Jairam Ramesh, P Chidambaram and Shashi Tharoor, among others, condoled the death of the ex-union minister Jaswant Singh.
Former Union minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, "Jaswant Singh sahib was my senior minister when I was Minister of State External Affairs. He was supportive without being interfering, was always available for advice & never made me feel like my work didn't matter."