Arun Jaitley, born on December 28, 1952, and passed away on August 24, 2019, was a prominent Indian politician and legal luminary. He served as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and held several key positions in the Indian government. Here’s a brief biography of Arun Jaitley, highlighting his political career and contributions:

Early Life and Education:

Arun Jaitley was born in Delhi, India, to a Punjabi family. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School in Delhi and went on to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi. He later obtained a law degree from the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.

Political Career:

Jaitley’s political journey began during his college days when he actively participated in the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS. He emerged as a promising leader known for his articulate speeches and organizational skills.

In 1991, Arun Jaitley joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and quickly rose through the ranks of the party. He played a crucial role in the BJP’s organizational restructuring and played an instrumental role in strengthening the party’s base.

See also: Remembering Indian politician Atal Bihari Vajpayee

Notable Positions and Contributions:

1. Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs: Arun Jaitley served as the Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs in the Narendra Modi-led government from 2014 to 2019. During his tenure, he spearheaded several significant economic reforms, including the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).
2. Minister of Defense: Jaitley also held the position of Minister of Defense from 2014 to 2017, where he played a vital role in modernizing India’s defense forces and enhancing national security.
3. Leader of the Opposition: During the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s tenure from 2004 to 2014, Jaitley served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of Parliament). He played a crucial role in articulating the BJP’s viewpoint on various policy matters and holding the government accountable.
4. Legal Career: Before entering politics, Arun Jaitley had a successful legal career. He practiced law in the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court of India. He was known for his expertise in constitutional and corporate law.
5. Contributions to Indian Cricket: Arun Jaitley was actively involved in Indian cricket administration. He served as the President of the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) from 1999 to 2013. Under his leadership, the Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium in Delhi witnessed significant infrastructural developments.

Arun Jaitley’s untimely demise in 2019 left a void in Indian politics. He was widely respected for his legal acumen, financial acumen, and eloquence. His contributions to economic reforms, national security, and the BJP’s organizational growth have left a lasting impact on Indian politics. Arun Jaitley will be remembered as a statesman, strategist, and visionary leader.