New Delhi: Former finance minister Arun Jaitley passed away on Saturday (August 24) due to a prolonged illness at New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He was 66.

Jaitley was admitted at AIIMS due to breathing problems on August 9 and ever since his health was being examined by a team of endocrinologist, nephrologist and cardiologist.

Also read: Former finance minister Arun Jaitley’s health deteriorates, says AIIMS

Doctors had earlier claimed that Jaitley was "haemodynamically stable", which meant he had a stable heart pump.

President Ram Nath Kovind, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan and minister of state for health Ashwini Kumar Choubey had visited Jaitley at AIIMS on August 16.

The 66-year-old leader, who held important portfolios during the first tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, had not been keeping well for some time.

He did not contest the 2019 Lok Sabha election citing health reasons. In February, Piyush Goyal had to present the interim budget as Jaitley was in the US for treatment.

After the Modi government retained power post the Lok Sabha election, Jaitley wrote to PM Modi saying he would not take up any responsibility/portfolio in the government due to his deteriorating health condition.

Also read: Arun Jaitley's condition critical; Ram Nath Kovind, Amit Shah visit AIIMS