New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS): Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday expressed condolences on the death of former Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and said that his death is an irreparable loss to the nation.

"I am deeply shocked to learn about the demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, a long time dear friend and one of my closest associates. His death is an irreparable loss to the nation and a personal loss to me. I have no words to express my grief," Naidu tweeted.

Naidu, who was to leave from Chennai to Nellore in Andhra Pradesh, cut short his visit and is returning to Delhi.

In a series of tweets, the Vice President praised Jaitley and said he was a recipient of the Best Parliamentarian Award.

"Outstanding parliamentarian, legal luminary, towering intellectual, an able administrator and a man of impeccable integrity, Shri Jaitley distinguished himself by effectively handling important portfolios as union minister in the cabinets of Shri A.B. Vajpayee and Narendra Modi."

"Shri Jaitley strove hard and burnt the midnight oil to bring about a consensus across the political spectrum in ushering the revolutionary GST regime in the country. He made immense contribution to public discourse on various issues from time to time," Naidu said.

Jaitley passed away on Saturday in Delhi after prolonged illness.