New Delhi, Aug 24 (IANS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday paid rich tributes to her predecessor Arun Jaitley, describing him as a mentor with matchless astuteness.

"No words can describe the loss of Shri @arunjaitley. A mentor to many of us, a guide and a moral support and strength. Have learnt so much from him. A fine large-hearted person. Always ready to help anyone/everyone. His intelligence, sagacity, astuteness have no match," she said in a tweet.

Senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Saturday morning after prolonged illness. Jaitley, 66, was admitted to the hospital on August 9 after he complained of breathlessness and restlessness.

The veteran BJP leader served as the Finance Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous cabinet from 2014 to 2018. He was also the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2014.

During his stint in the Finance Ministry, Jaitley was instrumental in implementing the Goods and Service Tax (GST) aimed at streamlining India's indirect tax structure. It was also during his tenure that the controversial decision of demonetisation was taken.