Tribute to the former Finance Minister

I normally do not write on politics but today as the nation mourns the sad demise of former finance , defence, corporate and information and broadcasting minister thought of sharing some thoughts.

During my stint in journalism I got a chance to listen to him at Madhya Pradesh High Court Bar Association. I started working with Hindustan Times and my beat was primarily High Court. I do not remember the exact year must be between 2000-2002, I got a chance to listen to his full speech. He must be in his forties. He was invited by Mr Vivek Tankha, former Advocate General of Madhya Pradesh as the chief guest for the programme.

He started his speech by drawing parallel between the US judiciary and the Indian judiciary . He drew an analogy by citing Bill Clinton’s impeachment. He stated that it just took 45 minutes for the US judiciary to decide the case of the former President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. The former US president had an affair with a white house intern . He also appreciated the former President as apologised to the nation for his conduct.

Mr Jaitley then in his speech stated that the Indian judiciary took more than a decade to give verdict on the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He underlined on the need for having fast track courts.

Thereafter Mr Vivek Tankha, currently a Rajya Sabha member spoke about the magnanimity of Mr Jaitley and he mentioned that Mr Jaitley stood by him when he lost his father. He also encouraged him to face the world.

These two extracts from the speech are etched on my memory and made me realize his deep understanding of the world and his human side.