Delhi-born Jaitley, a lawyer by profession was a key member of Modi 1.0 cabinet. He has played a crucial role in enforcing significant economic laws and tax reforms including Competition Law, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code (IBC) and the much talked about Goods & Service tax system.
During his tenure, Modi government could smoothly enforce the demonetization which was a major step for a new India.
Young leaders of today consider him as an icon since he also started off his journey as a student politician leading DU.
Despite his illness, he continued his support by writing blogs, giving advises to officials of the Financial Ministry and standing for his party.
He shared healthy relations even with the opposition leaders. Since he is known for his excellent negotiation skills almost every time he involved in a debate he won. At times his economic and state views deferred as that of others but he inculcated a habit to patiently listen to what the other person has to say.
His efforts to take his party forward while he was the spokesperson have been known by all. He left an impression on almost every union cabinet member including senior BJP leader J P Narayan. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor shared his equation with him by recalling his pleasant & not political friendship with him..
PM Shri Narendra Modi, who is on his three-nation foreign tour expressed his grief in his tweets that ” My dear friend and party colleague Jaitley loved India, loved his party and loved being among people.”
Bar Association in Delhi condoled Jaitley’s demise saying he was a “stalwart”, “helpful and great human being” who always stood for the cause of lawyers and that his death is a huge loss for the profession.
The deceased who used to be an avid cricket lover and a foodie has presented 5 Budgets during his Finance Minster tenure in 2014-18, have played a vital role in shaping the Economic and Financial Aspects of the ruling government besides being a constant support system for BJP when he was spokesperson and while defending for Narendra Modi during 2002 Gujarat riots scenario or campaigning for Modi in 2014 Lok sabha elections will be considered as a benchmark for the forthcoming finance officials.
While his presence will be considered till the eternity, we wish that his soul rest in peace and the citizens of India realise their moral rights to pay taxes to pay tribute to his soul.
-Himani Dhiravani
