Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and several leaders on Monday paid tribute to former Union Finance Minister and BJP stalwart Arun Jaitley on his seventh death anniversary.
In a post on X, HM Shah said, “Remembering Arun Jaitley Ji on his Punyatithi. An incisive legal expert, a masterful speaker and an ace administrator, Jaitley Ji contributed to taking the policies of the govt to the masses through impactful communication and played a crucial role in executing the game-changing policies of the government. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire young leaders.”
Rajnath Singh paid tribute to Jaitley, remembering him as a skilled administrator and outstanding parliamentarian with a deep understanding of constitutional and legal matters. He said Jaitley’s foresight and logical approach to politics and policy would remain a source of inspiration.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar described Jaitley as a friend and mentor to many, recalling his wisdom, warmth and commitment to public service.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal remembered Jaitley as a mentor whose guidance and wisdom had left a lasting impact on his life. Ministers Pralhad Joshi, Sarbananda Sonowal, Pabitra Margherita, Sukanta Majumdar, G Kishan Reddy, Kirti Vardhan Singh, Ram Mohan Naidu and Hardeep Singh Puri also paid tributes, highlighting his intellect, legal expertise, parliamentary skills and contribution to public service.
Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, RSS Sarkaryawah Dattatreya Hosabale, Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, Delhi Assembly Speaker Vijender Gupta and several BJP MLAs attended tribute programmes organised at the Delhi BJP office and Arun Jaitley Park at Siri Fort.
Jaitley’s wife Sangeeta, son Rohan and daughter Sonali also paid their respects. Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu offered floral tributes at Arun Jaitley Park.
A formal tribute programme was held at the Delhi BJP office in the morning, followed by a commemorative programme at Arun Jaitley Park, Siri Fort.
Remembering Jaitley, Malhotra said he was not only a former Finance Minister but also an eloquent orator, skilled organiser and a leader who maintained cordial relations across political lines.
“Arun Ji was not merely a former finance minister, he was an eloquent orator, a skilled organiser and, above all, a friend to everyone,” Malhotra said, adding that even his political opponents listened to him with respect because his arguments were backed by logic, facts and warmth.
Gupta recalled Jaitley’s journey from student politics and the Emergency movement to becoming a prominent lawyer, parliamentarian and Union minister. She said his contribution to major economic reforms as Finance Minister had given a new direction to the country’s economy.
“His dedication to the organisation, good governance and service to the nation will always remain an inspiration,” Gupta said.
She also paid floral tributes at Jaitley’s statue at Arun Jaitley Park, describing him as a nationalist thinker, eminent lawyer, powerful orator and skilled organiser whose public life was dedicated to national service and good governance.
RSS Sarkaryawah Dattatreya Hosabale, BJP national general secretary (organisation) Shiv Prakash and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh were among those present at the Siri Fort programme.
Sandhu, who paid tribute at Jaitley Park, described him as a statesman, brilliant orator and one of the finest legal and political minds of his time. He also recalled Jaitley’s wit, wisdom, commitment to nation-building and ability to build lasting friendships.
Jaitley, who was born on December 28, 1952, began his public life through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and emerged as a prominent leader of the BJP. He was actively involved in the movement against the Emergency and later became a leading lawyer, parliamentarian and strategist for the party.
Jaitley held several key portfolios in the Narendra Modi government, including Finance and Corporate Affairs, Defence, Information and Broadcasting, and Law and Justice. As Finance Minister, he played a central role in major economic and tax policy initiatives, including the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Known for his parliamentary interventions, legal acumen and ability to communicate complex policy issues, Jaitley remained an influential figure in India’s political and economic discourse.
He passed away on August 24, 2019, at the age of 66 in New Delhi. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2020.
(With agency inputs)
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