Arun Jaitley Opts out of New Cabinet Citing Health Concerns

New Delhi, May 29, 2019:

Arun Jaitley, who is the current Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs of the Government of India, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi opting out of the new Cabinet citing health concerns. The former finance minister also tweeted a copy of his letter to PM Modi, a day before his oath ceremony on Thursday.

"I am writing to you to formally request you that I should be allowed a reasonable time for myself, my treatment and my health and therefore, not be a part of any responsibility, for the present, in the new government," Mr Jaitley wrote.

Jaitley, 66, also wrote that he has been facing many health problems during the past 18 months.

Jaitley also said that he would want to take some time to concentrate on his health and treatment. However, he would be available to support the Government or party "informally", he said.

One of the BJP party's key members, Prime Minister Modi had given Mr Jaitley charge of three ministries after winning his first term in 2014 -- finance, defence and information and broadcasting.

Mr Jaitley's health issues became worse after he had a kidney transplant in May last year. A diabetic, he also had to skip the interim budget in February when he was in hospital in the US for treatment.

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