‘Idealistic but unimplementable’: When Arun Jaitley couldn’t resist ribbing his old frenemy Sitaram Yechury in Rajya Sabha
Arun Jaitley had a way with words, as evidenced since his student days when he was a thorn in the side of the ruling government.
Arun Jaitley had a way with words, as evidenced since his student days when he was a thorn in the side of the ruling government.
Experiencing his only electoral victory during his ABVP days, Jaitley however rose through the ranks to become the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha between 2004-14 before becoming the leader of the party in Rajya Sabha.
One of the more interesting speeches he gave was in August last year when he hailed his comrade and ideological opponent Sitaram Yechury on his last day in Rajya Sabha.
Hailing Yechury, Jaitley heaped praise on his ideological foe for raising the level of debate, observing that they had been on the opposite sides of the aisle since their student days. He observed that they both grew up in their respective organisations together.
He added: “He has the same enthusiasm that he had during his student days. he is ready to stand up and participate in every debate. And on a serious note, he is made an extremely valuable contribution as a parliamentarian. They raise the level the debate and Sitaram Yechury always raised the level of the debate.”He added wryly: “I think he has never had an opportunity in being in government and being government, therefore he has the privilege and liberty of making several suggestions which were idealistic but unimplementable.”
Reacting to his death, Yechury tweeted: “Very sad news about Shri Arun Jaitley’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to his family. We have known each other for over four decades from our student days until our time in Parliament.”
Mortal remains of former Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was brought to his residence in South Delhi on Saturday from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he passed away earlier today.
President Ram Nath Kovind paid tributes to the former Union Finance Minister at the latter's residence.
Several BJP leaders including Union Home Minister and party's national president Amit Shah, Union Minister Jitender Singh, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan were among those who visited Jaitley's residence to pay their last respects.
Union Minister Ravi Shankar Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Congress leader Jyotiraditya Scindia along with his family, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia also arrived to pay their tributes to the former union minister.
Jaitley's mortal remains will be cremated at Delhi's Nigam Bodh Ghat tomorrow, BJP working president Nadda said.
"From AIIMS Arun Jaitley's mortal remains will be taken to his residence in Kailash colony. His body will be kept there till 10 am tomorrow and from there it will be taken to the BJP headquarters for party workers and the public to pay their last respects. His final journey will begin from BJP headquarters to the Nigambodh Ghat, where last rites will be performed," Nadda said.
Jaitley passed away at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi earlier today. He was 66. The former union finance minister was admitted to the AIIMS earlier this month after he complained of restlessness. He was placed under observation at the hospital's Cardio-Neuro-Centre.